Novel Identification Method for Demodex Viability in Human Eyes

Background The current treatments cannot kill the mites, hence the need to evaluate optimal culture conditions for demodex mites in vitro and explore specific drugs for demodicosis. Objective Using a new method to identify the viability of Demodex folliculorum for screening clinically relevant drugs more accurately. Methods We compared the autofluorescence changes of demodex in a tea tree oil preparation (TTO preparation) and PBS buffer. Using the propidium fluorescent dye, the fluorescence intensity was measured using the Image-J software. Results In the two experimental groups, the diffusion speed of demodex's own blue fluorescence combined with joint ganglion in the PBS group was slower than that in the TTO preparation group, and the stability time of the whole body blue fluorescence was longer. The fluorescence peak value of PI stained red fluorescence was lower than that of TTO preparation group, and the staining fluorescence value required longer stability time, with lower fluorescence intensity at stabilization, which was consistent with expectations. Limitations: Fewer types of demodex culture media were selected for the experiment. Conclusion This novel demodex mite viability identification method objectively and effectively screens demodex-related drugs and can provide an effective reference for subsequent drug screening and evaluation.