The Presence of Demodex Folliculorum in Various Obese Groups According to BMI Levels

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to detect the presence of the parasite Demodex folliculorum (DF) in various obese groups according to BMI Levels.

Materials and methods: A total of 182 patients (40.8 ± 14.8 years, min-max age 19 - 73 years) were enrolled in the study, of those 65 (35.7%) were female and 117 (64.3%) were male. They had previously applied to Mustafa Kemal University (Faculty of Medicine, Endocrine Outpatient Clinic) during 2012. A standardized skin surface biopsy method was used to research the existence of DF. Patients were classified into four main groups, including: obese (n = 89), overweight (n = 31), normal (n = 32), and underweight (n = 30).

Results: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age and sex. The total DF positivity was 19 (21.3%) in obese patients. Among those with positive DF, the mean BMI was 35.7 ± 12.1 kg/m(2), while those with negative DF had a mean BMI of 29.2 ± 9.2 kg/m(2). There was a significant difference between two groups (P = 0.002). Also, the underweight group has significantly higher DF positivity in comparison to the normal weight group.

Conclusion: The DF positivity was significantly higher in obese patients in accordance with the physiopathologic nature of the disease.