Demodex brevis

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Demodex brevis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Trombidiformes
Family: Demodecidae
Genus: Demodex
Species:
D. brevis
Binomial name
Demodex brevis
Akbulatova, 1963

Demodex brevis is one of the two species of face mite that inhabit humans (the other being Demodex folliculorum). They are about half as long, at 0.15 to 0.2 mm (6 to 8 thousandths of an inch),[1] as D. folliculorum, but otherwise have few differences. Most of the article on Demodex folliculorum applies equally to D. brevis.

They are usually found in the sebaceous glands of the human body. D. brevis reproduces in the sebaceous glands in the same way that D. folliculorum reproduces in the follicles.[2] Under normal conditions they are not harmful, and are considered to be commensals, whereby the mite benefits but there is no harm or benefit to the host, rather than parasites where the host is harmed, or mutualistic organisms where the host benefits. During a severe infestation, though, there may be adverse effects on the host, such as demodicosis.

References

  1. ^ Leonard, Jayne (27 November 2017). "What is Demodex brevis?". Medical News Today.
  2. ^ "Demodex brevis". Zipcode Zoo. April 27, 2009. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. Retrieved November 8, 2010.