The Hair Follicle Mites (Demodex Spp.): Could They Be Vectors of Pathogenic Microorganisms?

The study from 1988 investigated the potential role of hair follicle mites, specifically Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis, as vectors for pathogenic microorganisms. Although these mites were generally considered harmless to humans, the researchers discovered that Demodex mites could contain spores of Microsporum canis within them. This finding suggested that Demodex mites might have the ability to ingest and transport microorganisms, potentially spreading them to different areas of the skin or to other individuals.