ICJIM
Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine

The Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine aims to publish issues related to all fields of internal medicine of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Original Article
Prevalence of demodex folliculorum in patients with chronic blepharitis and rosacea in a state Hospital in Kırıkkale
Abstract
Aims: Demodex folliculorum is an ectoparasite thought to play a role in the etiology of various dermatological and ocular diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Demodex folliculorum in patients with blepharitis and rosacea and to contribute to epidemiological data.
Methods: This study was conducted between December 2019 and December 2025 and included 40 patients with blepharitis, 40 patients with rosacea, and 40 healthy controls. Eyelash samples were collected from blepharitis patients, while skin samples from the cheek and forehead were obtained from rosacea patients. All samples were examined under a light microscope using 10× and 40× objectives.
Results: Demodex spp. were detected in 48.5% of blepharitis patients and 62.5% of rosacea patients. The positivity rate was 55% (44/80) in the patient group and 12.5% (5/40) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Demodex infestation increased with age in both groups. In blepharitis patients, positivity was significantly higher in males (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of demodicosis increased with age in both blepharitis and rosacea patients. Demodex-associated blepharitis was more common in males, whereas rosacea was more frequent in females. The significantly higher prevalence in patient groups compared to controls suggests that Demodex folliculorum may play a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Keywords : Blepharitis, rosacea, demodex folliculorum, gender, age

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 2, 2026
Page : 42-45
https://doi.org/10.51271/ICJIM-0074
Article Information
Received : 14 Nis 2026
Accepted : 22 May 2026
Published : 26 May 2026
Corresponding Author :

Ayşe Nuriye Varışlı: Department of Parasitology, Kırıkkale Yüksek İhtisas Hospital, Kırıkkale, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Erciyas Gökgöz Z, Varışlı AN, Yazar E, Çalışkan Y. Prevalence of demodex spp. in patients with chronic blepharitis and rosacea in a state Hospital in Kırıkkale. Intercont J Int Med. 2026;4(2):42-45. doi:10.51271/ICJIM-0074

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