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Updated: May 31, 2026
05:21
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin
Published on: July 3, 2025
The Association between Demodex Infestation and Hair Loss Severity in a Referred Patient Population
Abozar Nasiri-Jahrodi1, Hassan Bakhshi2, Rezvan Rajabzadeh3
1Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases
|May 29, 2026
Summary
Hair follicle mites, Demodex, are common in humans and linked to hair loss. This study found a significant correlation between Demodex mite density and the severity of hair loss in patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Demodex mites are common human parasites found in hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
- These mites can cause various clinical conditions.
- Their role in hair loss, particularly in Tehran, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Demodex mites in patients experiencing hair loss.
- To determine the association between Demodex infestation and hair loss severity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 520 patients with hair loss in Tehran, Iran.
- Samples collected from scalp and face.
- Microscopic examination for Demodex mites.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of Demodex infestation (66.15%) was observed in patients with hair loss.
- The majority of positive cases were women (83.43%).
- A significant direct correlation was found between Demodex mite density and hair loss severity (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Demodex mite infestation is highly prevalent in individuals with hair loss.
- High Demodex mite density is a significant contributing factor to severe hair loss.
- Further research into Demodex-associated alopecia is warranted.
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