Demodex Mites Contain Immunoreactive Lipase

To the Editor.—  Demodex mites are parasites normally present in human skin. In up to 10% of skin biopsy samples, these organisms can be seen as an incidental finding colonizing the pilosebaceous complex.¹ It is well known that the greatest concentration of Demodex is found in areas where sebaceous glands are numerous and sebum production is pronounced.² Aylesworth and Vance¹ demonstrated that the face is by far the most heavily infested area, especially the temple and the nasal region. To a lesser degree, Demodex have been found around nipples, neck, chest, back, and genital regions.³ An isolated report has shown the presence of Demodex in ectopic sebaceous glands of the oral mucosa.⁴ This observation suggests that Demodex has an affinity for the sebaceous glands, and that hair follicles need not be present for the mites' survival.

Materials and Methods.—  Formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded sections from a consecutive series