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Analysis of Demodex infection rate and risk factors in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction
Gang Ding1, Yue Tan1, Chenming Zhang1
1Department of Ophthalmology, the Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan, 250000, China.
Purpose:
In the present study, we aimed to investigate the positive rate of Demodex infection in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and to analyze its risk factors.
Methods:
A total of 178 MGD patients admitted to the Jinan Second People's Hospital from April 2020 to February 2021 were enrolled in the present study. All patients were examined for Demodex infection, and their medical history was collected. The positive rate of Demodex infection was calculated after the examination. The medical history, including age, eating habits, pet ownership, and so on, was collected. First, a univariate analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with positive Demodex infection, and then, a multivariate comprehensive analysis was carried out to identify the main risk factors for positive Demodex infection.
Results:
In the present study, the positive rate of Demodex infection in 178 MGD patients was 73.60%. The risk factors of Demodex infection in MGD patients were gender, pet ownership, toiletry sharing, and diabetes (all P ≤ 0.15). Age was one of the risk factors for infection [B = 0.105, OR 1.111 (95%CI 1.069-1.155), P = 0.000], and toiletry sharing was more likely to cause positive Demodex mite infection [B = 0.891, OR 2.439 (95%CI 1.066-5.577), P = 0.035]. The Demodex infection was not statistically associated with gender (P = 0.234), pet ownership (P = 1.141), and diabetes (P = 0.295).
Conclusions:
The positive rate of Demodex infection was higher in MGD patients. The main risk factors affecting the positive rate of Demodex infection included age and toiletry sharing.
Insights
Demodex mites commonly infect patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Key risk factors for Demodex infection in MGD patients include older age and sharing toiletries.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common eyelid condition.
- Demodex mites are microscopic parasites that can infest hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
- The prevalence and risk factors of Demodex infection in MGD patients require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Demodex infection in patients diagnosed with MGD.
- To identify and analyze the risk factors associated with Demodex infection in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 178 MGD patients was recruited from Jinan Second People's Hospital between April 2020 and February 2021.
- Demodex infection was assessed through direct examination, and patient medical history was collected.
- Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors for Demodex infection.
Main Results:
- The study found a high positive rate of Demodex infection at 73.60% among the 178 MGD patients.
- Age (P=0.000) and toiletry sharing (P=0.035) were identified as significant risk factors for Demodex infection.
- While initially considered, gender, pet ownership, and diabetes were not found to be statistically significant risk factors in the multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Demodex infection is highly prevalent in patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Age and the practice of sharing toiletries are the primary risk factors contributing to Demodex infection in MGD patients.
