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High Load of Demodex in Young Children With Chalazia
Insights
Demodicosis, an infestation by Demodex mites, is more common and present in higher numbers in children with chalazia. A high Demodex mite count, not just their presence, is linked to pediatric chalazia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chalazia are common eyelid inflammations in children.
- Demodicosis, caused by Demodex mites, is a potential contributing factor to various ocular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between Demodex mite infestation and pediatric chalazia.
- To determine if Demodex mite presence or count is associated with chalazia in children.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case-control study involving 101 pediatric patients with chalazia and 42 controls.
- Eyelash samples were collected for light microscopy to examine Demodex mite presence and count.
Main Results:
- The chalazia group showed significantly higher Demodex mite counts and prevalence compared to the control group (P ≤ .001).
- Higher Demodex mite counts and prevalence were observed in subgroups with multiple chalazia and skin erosion.
- Adjusted analysis revealed that Demodex mite count, not presence, was significantly correlated with chalazia (OR: 1.873, P = .011).
Conclusions:
- Demodex mites are more prevalent and numerous in children diagnosed with chalazia.
- Increased Demodex mite counts are associated with the presence of pediatric chalazia, particularly in more severe cases.
Purpose:
To investigate the correlation between demodicosis and pediatric chalazia.
Methods:
A case-control prospective study was conducted at Children's Hospital of Fudan University between December 2018 and January 2019. One hundred one consecutive pediatric patients with chalazia and 42 pediatric patients without chalazia underwent eyelash sampling and Demodex examination using light microscopy, and mite presence and count were documented.
Results:
The Demodex count and prevalence of the chalazia group was much higher than that of the control group (3.06 ± 3.48 vs 0.64 ± 1.17; P ≤ .001; 73.3% vs 35.7%, P ≤ .001). The Demodex count and prevalence of the multiple chalazia subgroup was much higher than that of the single chalazion subgroup (3.49 ± 3.72 vs 2.00 ± 2.52; P = .043; 79.2% vs 58.6%, P = .035). The Demodex count and prevalence of the chalazia with skin erosion subgroup was much higher than that of the without skin erosion subgroup (3.54 ± 3.14 vs 2.55 ± 3.76; P = .012; 82.7% vs 63.3%, P = .027). After adjustment for age and gender, Demodex count (odds ratio: 1.873; 95% confidence interval: 1.155 to 3.040; P = .011) but not presence (P = .643) was significantly correlated with chalazia.
Conclusions:
Demodex mites were more prevalent and quantitative in children with chalazia, and children with severe chalazia had higher Demodex prevalence and quantity. High Demodex count rather than presence of it was associated with chalazia. [.
