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Title	Demodex - the movie
Abstract Nr.	1056

Purpose	Examining Demodex mites, the most prevalent ectoparasite of the human skin flora.
Methods	We examined live Demodex mites ex vivo under the light microscope – by removing eye lashes from patients with marginal blepharitis and in controls. In this way, the particular walk of the Demodex folliculorum mite is demonstrated.
Results	Demodex mites are the largest and most complex organisms of the human skin flora. Ocular demodicosis encompasses infestation by Demodex folliculorum around the roots and in the follicles of the eye lashes and by Demodex brevis in the meibomian and sebaceous glands.
Conclusion	Demodex infestation of the eyelids is estimated to be highly prevalent, particularly in older individuals. Its pathogenic role in marginal blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, either directly, or indirectly through bacterial endosymbiosis, is controversial.
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Last name	WELLENS
Initials	L
Department	Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 2

Last name	VAN GINDERDEUREN
Initials	R
Department	Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 3

Last name	HUA
Initials	M
Department	Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 4

Last name	MOMBAERTS
Initials	I
Department	Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven
City	Leuven