Comparison of the number of species detected by diagnostic methods for DEMODEX SPP. in patients with rosacea at Clínica Alemana de Vitacura, 2022

Abstract

Demodex spp. is a microscopic ectoparasite that forms part of the human skin microbiota. However, its presence has been linked to a pathogenic role in rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that presents with flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia, papules, and pustules on the face. Two methods can be used for diagnosis: standardised skin surface biopsy and direct microscopic examination, which are useful for taking skin samples in which this ectoparasite can be observed. However, it is currently unknown which of these methods detects the highest number of mites in patients with rosacea. Objective: To determine which method significantly detects a greater number of mites in patients with rosacea at the Clínica Alemana de Vitacura, Santiago, Chile. Methodology: Standardised Skin Surface Biopsy and Direct Microscopic Examination methods were applied to 30 patients diagnosed with rosacea, and the mites were then counted under a microscope and recorded in a database, thus obtaining the average number of mites detected by both methods and performing a statistical analysis. Results: The Standardised Skin Surface Biopsy method detects a significantly higher number of mites than the Direct Microscopic Examination method in patients with rosacea. Conclusion: The Standardised Skin Surface Biopsy method has a higher detection rate of Demodex spp. in patients with rosacea, which influences positivity and the provision of timely treatment. It is therefore important to implement it in the diagnosis.