The authors aimed to investigate the prevalence and load of Demadex mites in 143 cases, comprising 41 boys and 60 girls with paediatric chalazion (mean age 2.91 ±1.96 years) and 27 control boys and 15 control girls (mean age 4.71 ±2.25 years). Samples were taken from the eyelash follicles. Demodex count was a mean 3.06 ±3.48 with prevalence of demodex infestation of 73.3% for chalazion vs 0.64 ±1.17 count and 35.7% prevalence for controls. Risk of chalazion decreased with age and boys were less like to have chalazion. The demodex count was significantly associated independently with chalazion. The age of those with single chalazion was significantly higher than with multiple chalazia. Demodex prevalence and count was more frequent with multiple chalazia. The authors conclude the demodex is common in young children but with higher prevalence and density in chalazion. They recommend treatment to reduce the demodex load.
Association of Demodex with chalazion
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
High load of Demodex in young children with chalazia.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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