Influence of temperature and medium on viability of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis (Acari: Demodicidae)

Abstract

Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis are cosmopolitan, obligatory parasites. Epidemiological studies have established a clear association between these species and various facial diseases in humans. However, not much is known of the ecology of these mites, also because it has proven difficult to culture them. Here we report a laboratory study on the (combined) effects of temperature and culture medium on the viability of both species. Results showed significant differences in the survival time of D. folliculorum and D. brevis among different temperatures and media. Pair-wise comparisons revealed that both species survived longest in serum medium, at a temperature of 16-22 °C. Therefore, we conclude that these conditions allow preservation and maintenance of both Demodex mites.