Prevalence of Demodex Species in Students and Employees of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin

The study conducted at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin investigated the prevalence of Demodex mites among 217 healthy volunteers, comprising 114 students and 103 employees. The overall infestation rate was 21%, with personnel showing a higher prevalence (28%) compared to students (14%). The mean number of mites was higher in personnel (3.16) than in students (1.46). The study found that Demodex folliculorum was more prevalent in epilated eyelashes, while Demodex brevis was more common on the skin. Infestation rates increased with age, and mites were more frequently found in eyelashes from the lower lid. A weak correlation was observed between Demodex infestation and symptoms like blepharedema and conjunctivitis, but no significant link was found with microscope work.