Demodex brevis

Definition

A minute parasitic mite species (family Demodecidae) that inhabits human skin, specifically residing within sebaceous glands and ducts rather than hair follicles. At 0.15–0.2 mm in length, it is roughly half the size of the congeneric follicle mite D. folliculorum, with which it shares most biological and ecological characteristics. Both species are permanent, non-pathogenic commensals of humans under normal conditions, though overpopulation may contribute to dermatological conditions.

Etymology

Latin brevis ("short, brief"), referring to its smaller body size relative to D. folliculorum.

Example

Demodex brevis is typically recovered from sebaceous gland biopsies of the facial region, whereas D. folliculorum predominates in hair follicle samples; both species may be detected by standardized skin-surface biopsy techniques in clinical and parasitological surveys.

Synonyms

• D. brevis

Related Terms

• Demodex folliculorum
• Demodecidae
• Trombidiformes
• sebaceous gland
• Follicle mite
• commensalism
• acarology

Usage Notes

Distinguished from D. folliculorum primarily by microhabitat preference (sebaceous glands vs. hair follicles) and body proportions, not by host specificity—both are human-exclusive. Formerly treated as a subspecies (D. folliculorum brevis) in some taxonomies. The epithet brevis references relative size, not absolute brevity.