Ivermectin-responsive Demodex infestation during human immunodeficiency virus infection. A case report and literature review

Demodicosis in Different Age Groups and Alternative Treatment Options-A Review

Infestation with Demodex mites is a common occurrence, especially in adults and the elderly. More recent attention has been paid to the presence of Demodex spp. mites in children, even ones without comorbidities. It causes both dermatological and ophthalmological problems. The presence of Demodex spp. is often asymptomatic, thus it is suggested to include parasitological investigation tests in dermatological diagnostics, in addition to bacteriological analysis. Literature reports show that Demodex spp. are related to the pathogenesis of numerous dermatoses, including rosacea or demodicosis gravis, and common eye pathologies reported by patients such as dry eye syndrome or ocular surface inflammatory conditions, such as blepharitis, chalazia, Meibomian gland dysfunction, and keratitis. Treatment of patients is a challenge and is usually prolonged, therefore it is important to carefully diagnose and properly select the therapy regimen for the treatment to be successful, and with minimal side effects, especially for young patients. Apart from the use of essential oils, research is ongoing for new alternative preparations active against Demodex sp. Our review was focused on the analysis of the current literature data on the available agents in the treatment of demodicosis in adults and children.

Case Report: A New Gain-of-Function Mutation of STAT1 Identified in a Patient With Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis and Rosacea-Like Demodicosis: An Emerging Association

Purpose

Heterozygous missense STAT1 mutations leading to a gain of function (GOF) are the most frequent genetic cause of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC). We describe the case of a patient presenting a new GOF mutation of STAT1 with the clinical symptoms of CMC, recurrent pneumonia, and persistent central erythema with papulopustules with ocular involvement related to rosacea-like demodicosis.

Methods

Genetic analysis via targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS; NGS panel DIPAI v.1) exploring the 98 genes most frequently involved in primary immunodeficiencies, including STAT1, was performed to identify an underlying genetic defect.

Results

NGS identified a novel variant of STAT1, c.884C>A (exon 10), p.T295Y, not previously described. This variant was found to be gain of function using an in vitro luciferase reporter assay. Rosacea-like demodicosis was confirmed by substantial Demodex proliferation observed via the microscopic examination of a cutaneous sample. A review of literature retrieved 20 other cases of STAT1 GOF mutations associated with early-onset rosacea-like demodicosis, most with ocular involvement.

Conclusion

We describe a new STAT1 GOF mutation associated with a phenotype of CMC and rosacea-like demodicosis. Rosacea-like demodicosis appears as a novel and important clinical phenotype among patients with STAT1 GOF mutation.

The Pathogenic Role of Demodex Mites in Rosacea: A Potential Therapeutic Target Already in Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common facial dermatosis but its definition and classification are still unclear, especially in terms of its links with demodicosis. Triggers of rosacea (ultraviolet light, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, microbes) are currently considered to induce a cascading innate and then adaptive immune response that gets out of control. Recent histological and biochemical studies support the concept that this inflammatory response is a continuum, already present from the onset of the disease, even when no clinical signs of inflammation are visible. The Demodex mite is beginning to be accepted as one of the triggers of this inflammatory cascade, and its proliferation as a marker of rosacea; moreover, the papulopustules of rosacea can be effectively treated with topical acaricidal agents. Demodex proliferation appears to be a continuum process in rosacea, and may not be clinically visible at the onset of the disease. Molecular studies suggest that Demodex may induce tolerogenic dendritic cells and collaborate with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to induce T cell exhaustion and favor its own proliferation. These interactions among VEGF, Demodex, and immunity need to be explored further and the nosology of rosacea adapted accordingly. However, treating early rosacea, with only clinically visible vascular symptoms, with an acaricide may decrease early inflammation, limit potential flare-ups following laser treatment, and prevent the ultimate development of the papulopustules of rosacea. The effectiveness of this approach needs to be confirmed by prospective controlled clinical trials with long-term follow-up. Currently, the evidence suggests that patients with only vascular symptoms of rosacea should be carefully examined for the presence of follicular scales as signs of Demodex overgrowth or pityriasis folliculorum so that these patients, at least, can be treated early with an acaricidal cream.

Comparison of the efficacy of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil with other current pharmacological management in human demodicosis: A Systematic Review

Various treatments are found to be moderately effective in managing Demodex-related diseases except tea tree oil (TTO) and terpinen-4-ol (T4O), which showed superior miticidal and anti-inflammatory effects in numerous clinical studies. Their possible effects include lowering mite counts, relieving Demodex-related symptoms, and modulating the immune system. This review summarizes the current clinical topical and oral treatments in human demodicosis, their possible mechanisms of action, side-effects and resistance in treating this condition. TTO (especially T4O) is found to be the most effective followed by metronidazole, ivermectin and permethrin in managing the disease. This is because TTO has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. Furthermore, nanoTTO can even release its contents into fungus and Pseudomonas biofilms. Combinations of different treatments are occasionally needed for refractory cases, especially for individuals with underlying genetic predisposal or are immuno-compromised. Although the current treatments show efficacy in controlling the Demodex mite population and the related symptoms, further research needs to be focused on the efficacy and drug delivery technology in order to develop alternative treatments with better side-effects profiles, less toxicity, lower risk of resistance and are more cost-effective.

Demodicosis revealing an HIV infection

We report an observation of facial and upper limb demodicosis, revealing a human immunodeficiency virus infection. After an initial improvement with metronidazole, worsening of skin lesions related to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome was observed, requiring the use of steroids.

Can the tea tree oil (Australian native plant: Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) be an alternative treatment for human demodicosis on skin?

Australian tea tree oil (TTO) and its extract terpinen-4-ol (T4O) are found to be effective in moderating demodex-related diseases. Their possible effects are lowering the mite counts, relieving the demodex-related symptoms and modulating the immune system especially the inflammatory response. This review summarizes the topical treatments of TTO and T4O in human demodicosis, their possible mechanism of actions, side-effects and potential resistance in treating this condition. Although current treatments other than TTO and T4O are relatively effective in controlling the demodex mite population and the related symptoms, more research on the efficacy and drug delivery technology is needed in order to assess its potential as an alternative treatment with minimal side-effect profile, low toxicity and low risk of demodex resistance.

Papulopustular rosacea and rosacea-like demodicosis: two phenotypes of the same disease?

Background

Papulopustular rosacea and rosacea‐like demodicosis have numerous similarities, but they are generally considered as two distinct entities, mainly because the causal role of the Demodex mite in the development of rosacea is not yet widely accepted. Several clinical characteristics are traditionally considered to differentiate the two conditions; for example, papulopustular rosacea is typically characterized by central facial papulopustules and persistent erythema, whereas small superficial papulopustules and follicular scales rather suggest rosacea‐like demodicosis. However, none of these characteristics is exclusive to either entity.

Objective

To explore differences in Demodex densities according to clinical characteristics traditionally associated with these two conditions.

Methods

Retrospective, observational, case–control study of 242 patients with central face papulopustules. Demodex densities were measured on two consecutive standardized skin surface biopsies.

Results

In the whole cohort, Demodex densities were greater in patients with persistent erythema than in those without. In 132 patients without recent treatment or other facial dermatoses, 120 (91%) had persistent erythema, 119 (90%) small superficial papulopustules and 124 (94%) follicular scales; 116 (88%) simultaneously had clinical characteristics traditionally associated with both papulopustular rosacea and rosacea‐like demodicosis. Higher Demodex densities were linked to the presence of follicular scales, but not to papulopustules size, nor to the presence/absence of persistent erythema.

Conclusion

Our observations highlight the difficulty differentiating between these entities and suggest that rosacea‐like demodicosis and papulopustular rosacea should no longer be considered as two separate entities, but rather as two phenotypes of the same disease.

Medical Management of Facial Redness in Rosacea

Persistent centrofacial erythema is a predominant component of rosacea. The authors review the topical and systemic treatments for rosacea-related erythema and flushing to aid in treatment decision making in clinical practice. Databases were searched for literature pertaining to treatment options for erythema related to rosacea. The paucity of large-scale clinical trials in patients with the erythematotelangiectatic rosacea subtype makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding treatment. Although certain topical and oral treatments appear to have modest benefit in reducing erythema, there is a need for high-quality, well-designed, and rigorously reported studies for the treatments for rosacea.

Swiss S1 guideline for the treatment of rosacea

Rosacea (in German sometimes called 'Kupferfinne', in French 'Couperose' and in Italian 'Copparosa') is a chronic and frequently relapsing inflammatory skin disease primarily affecting the central areas of the face. Its geographic prevalence varies from 1% to 22%. The differential diagnosis is wide, and the treatment is sometimes difficult and varies by stage of rosacea. For erythematous lesions and telangiectasia, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and lasers are popular treatment option. In addition, a vasoconstrictor agent, brimonidine, has recently been developed. For papulopustular rosacea, topical antibiotics, topical and systemic retinoids, as well as systemic antibiotics are used. A topical acaricidal agent, ivermectin, has undergone clinical development and is now on the market. In the later stages, hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands develops, resulting in phymatous growths such as the frequently observed bulbous nose or rhinophyma. Ablative laser treatments have largely replaced classical abrasive tools. Here, we reviewed the current evidence on the treatment of rosacea, provide a guideline (S1 level) and discuss the differential diagnosis of rosacea.

Pharmacologic treatments for rosacea

Rosacea represents a common and chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Clinical features include transient and permanent erythema, inflammatory papules and pustules, phymatous changes, and ocular signs and symptoms. Rosacea is generally classified into four subtypes and one variant. Subtype 1, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, includes clinical features of flushing and persistent central facial erythema with or without telangiectasia. Subtype 2, papulopustular rosacea, is characterized by persistent central facial erythema with transient papules or pustules or both on the central face. Subtype 3, phymatous rosacea, includes thickening of the skin with irregular surface nodularities and enlargement. Subtype 4, ocular rosacea, includes inflammation of different parts of the eye and eyelid. A variant, granulomatous rosacea, is noninflammatory and is characterized by hard, brown, yellow, or red cutaneous papules or nodules of uniform size. Patients may present with more than one subtype, and each individual characteristic may fluctuate. There is debate whether rosacea progresses from one subtype over time or subtypes represent discreet entities. Defining clinical presentation and improved understanding of pathophysiology has resulted in identification of novel treatment approaches. This contribution outlines a rationale for treatment, highlights an evidence-based approach with approved treatments, and considers novel developments and off-license therapy available.

Emerging therapies in rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin disorder with multiple symptoms. The emergence of research that furthers understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms has created new targets for disease treatment. Specifically, there is a need for new treatments that address the various erythematic symptoms associated with rosacea. Systemic and topical therapies have both yielded positive results in treating rosacea with various medications. Subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline is one such promising treatment. Development of novel products in the near future should help achieve more satisfactory outcomes for patients.

Potential role of Demodex mites and bacteria in the induction of rosacea

Rosacea is a common dermatological condition that predominantly affects the central regions of the face. Rosacea affects up to 3 % of the world's population and a number of subtypes are recognized. Rosacea can be treated with a variety of antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline or metronidazole) yet no role for bacteria or microbes in its aetiology has been conclusively established. The density of Demodex mites in the skin of rosacea patients is higher than in controls, suggesting a possible role for these mites in the induction of this condition. In addition, Bacillus oleronius, known to be sensitive to the antibiotics used to treat rosacea, has been isolated from a Demodex mite from a patient with papulopustular rosacea and a potential role for this bacterium in the induction of rosacea has been proposed. Staphylococcus epidermidis has been isolated predominantly from the pustules of rosacea patients but not from unaffected skin and may be transported around the face by Demodex mites. These findings raise the possibility that rosacea is fundamentally a bacterial disease resulting from the over-proliferation of Demodex mites living in skin damaged as a result of adverse weathering, age or the production of sebum with an altered fatty acid content. This review surveys the literature relating to the role of Demodex mites and their associated bacteria in the induction and persistence of rosacea and highlights possible therapeutic options.

Density of Demodex folliculorum in patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Rosacea-like papulopustular eruptions (rash) are considered the most frequent toxicities associated with the use of inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Recently, evidence has been accumulating of infectious complications in patients suffering from these adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to analyze the density of Demodex folliculorum (DF) in cutaneous lesions of patients presenting with EGFR-inhibitor (EGFRI)-induced rashes.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 19 adult patients presenting with EGFRI rashes. Patients were reviewed for the density of DF (Demodex density, Dd; mites per square centimeter) by standardized skin surface biopsy.

RESULTS

In our patient collective the mean Dd of 4.7/cm² significantly exceeded the mean Dd reported for the healthy adult population (Dd = 0.7/cm²).

LIMITATIONS

The retrospective nature of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

EGFRI patients have an increased susceptibility to DF colonization or infection, respectively. Our results support the recent concept that EGFRI may induce an impairment of antimicrobial defense mechanisms.

Incidence of Demodex Folliculorum in Patients with End Stage Chronic Renal Failure

BACKGROUND

Demodex folliculorum (DF), found in the pilosebaceous unit, is the most common ectoparasite in humans. It has been implicated in various clinical lesions such as pustular folliculitis, papulopustular scalp eruption, perioral dermatitis, and skin lesions of immunosuppressed patients on chemotherapy or with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine DF carriers and location of DF among patients on chronic dialysis because of end stage renal failure (ESRF), to compare them with healthy controls, and to examine the relationship between DF incidence and dialysis method and symptoms.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients on dialysis and 67 healthy controls were taken into the study. The patient groups were classified according to the diseases causing ESRF [diabetes mellitus (DM), polycystic disease (PCD), glomerulonephritis (GN), hypertensive nephrosclerosis (HTNS), others (OT), unknown etiology (UE)], and mode of dialysis. Five standardized skin surface biopsies (SSSB) were taken. The determination of five and more living parasites/cm2 area was diagnosed as infestation.

RESULTS

The mean mite count in the ESRF group, 6.12/cm2, was significantly higher than that in controls, 0.31/cm2, (Independent Samples Test, p=0.000). The DF positivity according to primary disease causing ESRF revealed that it was most frequent in DM with 12 patients (44.4%), followed by UE with nine patients (33.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the DF number is increased in ESRF patients on dialysis treatment. We recommend that demodicidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of facial eruptions in patients with ESRF.

[Immigration and HIV Infection. An approximation to parasitic and viral infections]

Highly-active antiretroviral therapy is effective in reducing opportunistic infections in industrialized countries. However, opportunistic parasitic infections remain the leading cause of HIV-related mortality in developing countries. These infections can also affect HIV-positive immigrants residing in Spain, as well as HIV-infected patients traveling to low-income countries. In addition, immigrants often have viral infections caused by herpesvirus, papillomavirus and polyomavirus, which are closely related to risk behaviors and commercial sex. The present article reviews the characteristics of parasitic and viral infections in patients with HIV infection with the aim of improving understanding of this vulnerable population group.

Gnatophyma: a rare variant of phyma

We report a case of a 44-year-old woman with an 8-year history of gnatophyma. Rosacea is a facial dermatosis that may present as flushing, erythema, telangiectases, papules, pustules and phyma. Phyma is considered the final evolution stage of rosacea and is a rare variant. Treatment of phyma with atypical localization may be a challenge for dermatologists in clinical practice.

Comparison of Demodex folliculorum density in haemodialysis patients with a control group

BACKGROUND

Demodex folliculorum (DF) is resident in human pilosebaceous follicles. Mite density is low in healthy skin. Many cases of demodicosis in association with immunosuppression have been reported. Patients undergoing haemodialysis are also immunosuppressed.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the Demodex folliculorum density in haemodialysis patients and healthy subjects.

METHODS

Mite density of 87 patients undergoing haemodialysis was compared with that of age- and sex-matched controls. Two samples of standardized skin surface biopsies were taken from each subject from the forehead, cheek and nose. The number of mites counted on the surface area of 1 cm2 was accepted as the density of DF. The length and width of mites were measured by oculometer.

RESULTS

DF density was found in 17 (19.54%) of the 87 dialysis patients and in 9 (10.34%) of 87 controls. A mean mite density of 5.11+/-5.65 was found in dialysis patients and of 2.55+/-1.6 in controls. Differences between the two groups in mite density were not statistically significant (P=0.13). There was also no significant difference in mite length between the two groups (P=0.06). There was, however, a significant difference in mite width (P=0.018).

CONCLUSION

Despite the presence of sebaceous gland atrophy in haemodialysis patients, the higher density of DF in these patients than controls supports the supposition that this mite can increase immunosuppression.

Ivermectin treatment of three cases of demodecidosis during human immunodeficiency virus infection

Demodecidosis is an ectoparasitosis that is infrequently observed in subjects with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It has a rosacea-like presentation. We present three cases in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Two of these patients had a profuse eruption, and all three cases were cured by ivermectin. The single-dose treatment could be repeated in cases of subsequent recurrence. Ivermectin thus seems to be a good alternative in the treatment of demodecidosis in patients with HIV infection.

Demodectic mange in fattening pigs in São Paulo, Brazil

An investigation was conducted of mange in five Large White adult sows refractory to pyrethroid treatment (cypermethrin 15%). The most important clinical signs consisted of erythema, hyperkeratosis, alopecic macules, micaceous scaling, follicular pluging, and numerous comedones, especially on the facial region. Skin samples were scraped and punched. Elongate mites were found that were classified as Demodex sp., according to the morphological and histopathological characteristics. The protein, vitamin, and mineral levels contained in the rations were considered to be lower than those recommended to attend the requirements of fattening pigs. Adjustment of the rations was adopted, and the treatment of animals with ivermectin premix (450g/tonne of food) daily orally for a further 7 days was prescribed. The success of treatment was observed 15 days after adoption of these measures, when the beginning of remission of signs was observed. No mites were found on scrapings or biopsy punches after the treatment of the sows.

Démodécie chez un malade infecté par le VIH : guérison par ivermectine

INTRODUCTION

Demodex is a saprophyte parasite in mammals. In Man, it is associated with differing clinical profiles (rosacea-like dermatitis, folliculitis and blepharitis). We report a case of demodecidosis in an HIV-infected patient that was successfully treated with ivermectin.

CASE REPORT

A man from Laos, infected by HIV and treated for glandular tuberculosis, presented with a prurigenous eruption on the face and the pre-sternal and interscapular areas. Direct examination of scraped product and histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of demodecidosis. Clinical cure was obtained after 2 single cures of ivermectin a one month's distance.

DISCUSSION

The features of demodecidosis are often similar to those of rosacea. In immunodeficient patients, the semiology remains the same but the eruption is more abundant. During HIV-infection, demodecidosis occurs at the AIDS stage or with a CD4 count lower than 200/mm3. Many anti-dust mite molecules are used to treat the disease but frequently lead to irritation. Administration of a single cure of ivermectin, repeated if necessary, appears to be an interesting alternative to contact anti-dust mite agents.

The Role of HLA A2 and Cw2 in the Pathogenesis of Human Demodicosis

BACKGROUND

Demodicosis is a chronic skin disease caused by parasitic mites of the genus Demodex. It usually affects the face area causing major esthetical problems. The pathogenesis of demodicosis is not fully understood; however, it is quite apparent that immunological mechanisms mediate its development.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to study the correlation between immunological and immunogenetic data obtained from patients with demodicosis in order to clarify the pathogenesis of Demodex infestation.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with demodicosis and 13 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects participated in the study. The presence of mites was determined by microscopic inspection of sebum gland secretions. The immune response was evaluated by identifying membrane markers of different immune cells using monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD20+ and CD95+) while the concentration of IgA, IgM and IgG was measured by simple radial immunodiffusion. The level of circulating immune complexes and total hemolytic complement as well as the preparatory and digestive function of neutrophils and the functional activity of leukocytes were also studied. Patients were typed for HLA A, B, Bw and Cw using the microlymphocytotoxicity method.

RESULTS

The comparison between patients with and without the A2 phenotype showed that the latter have lower numbers of CD8+, lower functional activity of leukocytes, higher concentrations of IgA, larger affected skin areas and are more often affected by deep papular and papulopustular forms of demodicosis than those with the A2 phenotype, showing that this allele has a protective role in demodicosis. Patients exhibiting the Cw2 phenotypes were rather susceptible to demodicosis. They showed decreased numbers of CD3+, increased levels of phagocytic activity, higher mite density and severer skin damage as compared to patients lacking Cw2.

CONCLUSIONS

The HLA A2 and Cw2 phenotypes have an important diagnostic, prognostic and pathogenetic significance and could play a role in resistance or susceptibility to demodicosis by regulating the end phase of the immune response.

[Ivermectin]

Ivermectin is a semi-synthetic derivative of a macrocyclic lactone. It causes paralysis in many nematodes and arthropodes because of its effect on ion-channels in cell membranes. Ivermectin was first used in veterinary medicine. In man, it was shown to be microfilaricid against Onchocerca volvulus. Most of the adverse reactions following treatment were mild, without the systemic and ocular side effects usually complicating diethylcarbamazine therapy. In endemic areas after repeated administration of ivermectin, a dramatic reduction in dermal microfilarial load was observed, resulting in a decrease in transmission. There was a significant decrease in the prevalence of anterior segment lesions in the eyes and acute onchocercal skin disease. Moreover, ivermectin also exhibited microfilaricidal activity against Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. Annual mass treatment with a single dose of diethylcarbamazine alone, or associated with ivermectin, was initiated in endemic areas for lymphatic filariasis. The preliminary results showed a decrease in the reservoir of microfilariae and rate of transmission, a reduction in the frequency of clinical lymphatic abnormalities due to bancroftan filariasis. In Loa loa infections ivermectin decreases microfilaremia, but serious adverse events such as encephalopathy can be induced in patients with high rate of microfilaremia. Ivermectin appears to be the drug of choice in Strongyloides stercoralis infections, a single dose is highly effective with less frequent side effects than thiabendazole. Oral ivermectin is an alternative to topical scabicides, it appears as effective as local treatment for common scabies, but there are few comparative studies. The best indications for ivermectin in this ectoparasitic infection could be the outbreak in institutions and crusty scabies, but in association with topical treatment. The precise position of this agent in the treatment of scabies remains to be specified. Ivermectin is also affective in the treatment of ascariasis and cutaneous larva migrans. It could also be a promising treatment for head lice.