ISSN 2756-3391
African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 629–636
DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/170552
Article Type: Full Length Research Paper
Title: Prevalence, clinical manifestations, and molecular confirmation of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis infestations among blepharitis patients in Accra, Ghana
Names of Authors: Emmanuel K. Mensah¹, Derrick O. Asare², Priscilla A. Appiah¹
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. ²Eye Clinic, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.
Abstract: Ocular demodicosi is an underdiagnosed parasitic infection linked to chronic blepharitis and dry eye syndrome. This study assessed the prevalence, clinical correlations, and molecular profiles of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis among 420 patients presenting with symptomatic blepharitis at specialized eye clinics in Accra, Ghana. Epilated eyelashes were examined via light microscopy for parasitic identification and quantification, followed by corroborative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays targeting the 18S rRNA gene sequence. Ocular Demodex infestation was confirmed in 58.6 percent (n = 246) of the clinical population. Demodex folliculorum was found in 42.3 percent of positive cases, Demodex brevis in 18.7 percent, and mixed infestations in 39.0 percent. Statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation between high mite densities (greater than 3 mites per eyelash) and cylindrical dandruff at the eyelash base (odds ratio = 5.24, 95 percent confidence interval [3.12 to 8.78], P < 0.001). Furthermore, severe meibomian gland dysfunction and tear film instability were significantly more prevalent in patients harboring Demodex brevis infestations. Slit-lamp evaluation linked infestation severity with the regular use of oil-based cosmetics and infrequent eyelid hygiene. These clinical findings highlight the key role of Demodex mites in chronic ocular surface inflammation, showing the need for routine microscopic screening of blepharitis cases alongside targeted acaricidal regimens like tea tree oil formulations.
Keywords: Demodex folliculorum, Demodex brevis, Blepharitis, Ocular demodicosis, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Ghana
Manuscript Timeline: Received: 28 June 2026; Revised: 24 July 2026; Accepted: 06 August 2026; Published: 31 August 2026
Subscribe to read the full article: https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/subscribe-to-read