[Investigation on the prevalence of human Demodex among 2,248 medical students in inner Mongolia].

OBJECTIVE

To understand the difference of Demodex prevalence among medical students living and studying together with different classes, sexes and nationalities.

METHODS

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis were detected by using cellophane tape on the nasolabial grooves.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence was 51.5% in 2,248 medical students. Prevalence in different classes and sexes was: freshman 42.6%, sophomore 49.6% and third year students 66.8%; 55.7% in males and 48.7% in females. Prevalence in students with different nationalities was: Mongolian 49.8%, Han 52.8% and other minorities 64.3%.

CONCLUSION

The Demodex prevalence in students of senior classes was higher than those from junior ones (P < 0.01), higher in males than in females (P < 0.01). Prevalence in Han students was slightly higher than in Mongolian with no statistical difference.