Work

Demographic Patterns and Clinical Presentations of Demodicosis in a Longitudinal Study From Khuzestan Province, Southwest Iran

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background and Aims Demodicosis is a significant dermatological condition caused by Demodex mites, with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Despite its prevalence, population‐based studies on the epidemiology, co‐infections, and atypical presentations of demodicosis remain limited globally. This study aimed to investigate the demographic patterns, clinical characteristics, and associated co‐infections of demodicosis over a 22‐year period in southwest Iran. Methods A total of 382 patients with confirmed demodicosis were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected from records of Iran Zamin Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (2002–2024). Demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, co‐infections, and atypical manifestations were documented. Skin scrapings were examined microscopically to confirm Demodex infestation, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant patterns. Results The mean patient age was 36.6 ± 12.8 years, with a marked female predominance (77.7%). The age distribution showed that the 21–35 age group accounted for the largest proportion of cases (45.3%), while pediatric (≤ 20 years) and geriatric (> 65 years) groups showed no significant gender disparity. Co‐infections were identified in 6.8% of cases, predominantly involving dermatophyte infections, such as Tinea facei (46.1% of co‐infections). This study also highlights novel co‐infections and atypical presentations, including involvement of the trunk, sinus, ear, and thigh. Conclusion This is the first large‐scale study of demodicosis in the general population of Iran, covering a 22‐year period. It is also among the first worldwide to explore co‐infections systematically. The findings emphasize significant demographic and clinical patterns, particularly age‐ and gender‐specific susceptibility and the complex interplay of co‐infections. These insights expand the understanding of demodicosis and highlight the importance of considering its atypical manifestations and associated infections in clinical practice.

Source: Health Science Reports

DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.71529

Authors: Sharif Maraghi, Mehdi Tavalla, Abdollah Rafiei, Mohammad Javad Boozhmehrani, Akbar Hoseinnejad

Institutions: Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Dermatological diseases and infestations

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,280