ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Demodex mites infestation, typically asymptomatic, is a problem for patients with weakened immune systems because it often takes the form of symptomatic, massive infection. The Demodex mites play an important role in the occurrence of a range of eye surface diseases such as Demodex blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunctions, conjunctivitis and corneal changes. The ocular infection is closely related to the systemic invasion. Our goal was to minimize infestation and alleviate the symptoms of massive demodicosis so as to prevent further damage to the cornea. METHODS: Our research note involves a 61-year old woman diagnosed with secondary Sjögren syndrome due to rheumatoid arthritis. On the background of the autoimmune disease, corneal perforation of the left eye occurred that was cured by surgery. Then during the follow-up visit the patient was found (microscopically) massively infected with Demodex mites and the developed symptoms were particularly severe. RESULTS: Adequate dry eye syndrome and massive demodicosis therapy significantly reduced the number of Demodex mites and improved the patient's condition. CONCLUSION: We would like to draw the attention of the physicians of different specialties that special care should be taken with respect to the therapy of dry eye syndrome and ocular demodicosis in patients with immunological disorders to achieve therapeutic success and avoid particularly dangerous consequences of these diseases.
Subject(s)
Blepharitis , Eyelashes , Mite Infestations , Mites , Animals , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Mite Infestations/complicationsABSTRACT
The aim of the study was, to analyze the microorganisms cultured from materials from the airways of children with cystic fibrosis treated in the Children's Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw during 1999-2002. A total of 411 samples were tested, obtained from the airways of 58 patients with diagnosed mucoviscidosis. The age of the treated patients was within the range of 1 month and 20 years. The bacteriological tests were taken during routine visits in the Consultation and Pulmonology Clinic, which took place 3-4 times a year. The most often isolated strain was Staphylococcus aureus--48%. 17% of the isolates of Haemophilus influenzae and 13% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were obtained. Most S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and H. infiuenzae isolates showed high susceptibility to tested antimicrobial agents. About 6% of all S. aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin (MRSA). S. aureus was occurring in all age groups with the same frequency. The rods H. influenzae were cultured more often from children under 10 years, while P. aeruginosa more often from older patients.
