First case of Phthirus pubis and Demodex co-infestation of the eyelids: a case report

• Main Authors: Yanan Huo, Yanping Mo, Xiuming Jin, Xiaodan Huang, Wei Chen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-03-01
• Series: BMC Ophthalmology
• Subjects: Phthirus pubis; Demodex; Co-infestation
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-021-01875-w

Abstract Background Phthirus pubis is an obligate parasite of human beings. Demodex spp. is a much more common parasite of human beings. However, P. pubis infestation accompanied by Demodex mite infestation in eye has not been reported. Case presentation We report the first case of Phthirus pubis and Demodex co-infestation on a 48-years-old woman. She presented to the hospital with itching and burning at her right eye for 2 weeks. Slit lamp examination revealed multiple nits and adults of P. pubis anchored to both upper and lower eyelashes. Eyelashes were trimmed, moxifloxacin eye ointment and fluorometholone eye drops were initiated daily. However, itching didn’t improve after 2 weeks of treatment. Light microscopy examination of eyelashes revealed infestation with Demodex. The patient was treated with lid scrubs with 25% tea tree oil daily for 4 weeks and was completely cured. Conclusion Our report shows the importance of an early and comprehensive diagnosis, because both phthiriasis palpebrarum and demodicosis can be confused with blepharitis.