Increased <i>Demodex</i> Density in Patients Hospitalized for Worsening Heart Failure
Infection is an important factor leading to the exacerbation of heart failure (HF), resulting in hospitalization. <i>Demodex</i> species are obligatory parasites in human skin, and increased density was reported in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the &l...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2020-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of Personalized Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/10/2/39 |
| Summary: | Infection is an important factor leading to the exacerbation of heart failure (HF), resulting in hospitalization. <i>Demodex</i> species are obligatory parasites in human skin, and increased density was reported in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the <i>Demodex</i> density in hospitalized HF patients compared to that of healthy controls. Methods: This study included 36 HF patients and 36 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Five standardized biopsies were taken from the face of participants and assessed for <i>Demodex</i> by a light microscope. Results: At least one <i>Demodex</i> mite was detected in 20 HF patients and nine of the control group. The number of <i>Demodex</i> mites was significantly higher in the HF group (median 1; min. 0 and max. 10) compared to the control group (median 0; minimum. 0 and maximum. 3). Demodicidosis was positive in 14 of the HF patients. Demodicidosis was not detected in the control group. Conclusions: This study showed that <i>Demodex</i> positivity is more common in HF patients hospitalized for HF exacerbation. Demodicidosis should be considered in hospitalized HF patients. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4426 |