Increased Demodex Density in Patients Hospitalized for Worsening Heart Failure

Abstract

Infection is an important factor leading to the exacerbation of heart failure (HF), resulting in hospitalization.Demodexspecies are obligatory parasites in human skin, and increased density was reported in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate theDemodexdensity in hospitalized HF patients compared to that of healthy controls. Methods: This study included 36 HF patients and 36 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Five standardized biopsies were taken from the face of participants and assessed forDemodexby a light microscope. Results: At least oneDemodexmite was detected in 20 HF patients and nine of the control group. The number ofDemodexmites was significantly higher in the HF group (median 1; min. 0 and max. 10) compared to the control group (median 0; minimum. 0 and maximum. 3). Demodicidosis was positive in 14 of the HF patients. Demodicidosis was not detected in the control group. Conclusions: This study showed thatDemodexpositivity is more common in HF patients hospitalized for HF exacerbation. Demodicidosis should be considered in hospitalized HF patients.