Demodicosis

Demodicosis
Other namesDemodectic mange, red mange
A dog with severe demodectic mange
SpecialtyDermatology, veterinary medicine

Demodicosis /ˌdɛmədəˈksɪs/, also called Demodex folliculitis in humans[1] and demodectic mange (/dɛməˈdɛktɪk/) or red mange in animals, is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of Demodex spp. as the host's immune system is unable to keep the mites under control.

Demodex is a genus of mite in the family Demodecidae. The mites are specific to their hosts, and each mammal species is host to one or two unique species of Demodex mites. Therefore, demodicosis cannot be transferred across species and has no zoonotic potential.[2]

  1. ^ Claude Bachmeyer; Alicia Moreno-Sabater (June 26, 2017). "Demodex folliculitis". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 189 (25): E865. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161323. PMC 5489393. PMID 28652482. Retrieved December 15, 2021. Demodex folliculorum is a saprophytic parasitic mite of the pilosebaceous follicle and seborrheic glands and is found mainly on the face of adult men.[1,2] The role of Demodex mites in inflammatory skin conditions remains controversial, but is suggested by the efficacy of topical or oral antiparasitic therapy. Demodex folliculorum should be considered whenever a rosacea-like or papulopustular eruption of the face fails to respond to standard therapy for rosacea, and no bacterial pathogens can be implicated.[1] The condition is characterized by itchy pustules, follicular scaling and dryness, conglobata demodicosis with nodulocystic lesions, and blepharitis.[...] Treatment recommendations are supported by case reports and include crotamiton cream, tetracyclines, and topical or systemic metronidazole. Topical and oral ivermectin may be effective in severe cases, although these are not readily available in Canada.
  2. ^ Izdebska JN, Rolbiecki L. The status of Demodex cornei: description of the species and developmental stages, and data on demodecid mites in the domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris. Med Vet Entomol32:346 – 357, 2018.