Demodex Parazytes in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Anahtar KelimelerŞizofreni; İmmun Sistem; Ektoparazitik İnfestasyonlar Abstract Aim: Demodex parazytes are commonly present all over the world, especially in facial region of humans. Demodex spp. are assumed to be more common in schizophrenia due to partial suppression of immune system and lack of good self-care. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Demodex ectoparasites in schizophrenia patients. Material and Method: In the study, 31 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 30 subjects without any psychiatric disorder or skin disease were subjected to standard superficial skin biopsy technique to determine Demodex spp. Results: Demodex spp.were found positive in nine schizophrenia patients and it was found positive in two healthy controls. Considering the prevalence of Demodex spp., a significant relationship is found between schizophrenia patients and normal controls (p<0.05). Discussion: As a result, Demodex spp. are more common in schizophrenia due conditions of reduced self-care and immunosuppression, Demodex parasites should be considered in schizophrenia patients with skin lesions, especially on the face, and should to be treated if needed.