Demodex mite infestation in patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis

In the present study we compared the prevalence of Demodex mites in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in one control group involving individuals of similar mean age. From each person we epilated 3–4 lashes from each eyelid and examined them under a microscope to find Demodex mites. In total 147 patients were examined. The prevalence of Demodex mites was 33% in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 31% in the control group. Our results demonstrated that the prevalence of Demodex mites was similar in RA patients as compared to the control group.