Research Article

Relationship between demodex infestation and clinical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective observational study

Volume: 10 Number: 1 April 29, 2026
TR EN

Relationship between demodex infestation and clinical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently accompanied by dermatologic findings and metabolic disturbances. Because Demodex mites thrive in sebaceous areas and have been linked to several inflammatory and metabolic conditions, we explored whether Demodex positivity is associated with clinical and laboratory features in women with PCOS. Material and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 63 women aged 18–40 years with a confirmed diagnosis of PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria were enrolled. The presence of Demodex spp. was assessed using the standardized superficial skin biopsy technique. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, ovarian volume, oral glucose tolerance test results, and a panel of hormonal parameters were collected. Results: Demodex-positive patients had significantly higher body mass index, waist and abdominal circumference, ovarian volume, and fasting glucose levels, while their waist-to- abdominal ratio was lower compared to Demodex-negative patients (p < 0.05). In contrast, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that none of these parameters remained independently significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that Demodex spp. infestation in women with PCOS may reflect both dermatological and metabolic alterations. Although univariate analyses indicated significant associations, these did not persist in multivariate models, underscoring the need for larger, prospective studies. Screening for Demodex may provide additional insight into the comprehensive management of PCOS, particularly in patients presenting with dermatological complaints.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Surgery (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 29, 2026

Submission Date

October 2, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 23, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1

APA
Bülbül, M., Kaplanoğlu, M., Çelik, T., Çakılkaya, İ., & Dündar, E. (2026). Relationship between demodex infestation and clinical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective observational study. Medical Journal of Western Black Sea, 10(1), 151-156. https://doi.org/10.29058/mjwbs.1795433
AMA
1.Bülbül M, Kaplanoğlu M, Çelik T, Çakılkaya İ, Dündar E. Relationship between demodex infestation and clinical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective observational study. Med J West Black Sea. 2026;10(1):151-156. doi:10.29058/mjwbs.1795433
Chicago
Bülbül, Mehmet, Mustafa Kaplanoğlu, Tuncay Çelik, İpek Çakılkaya, and Emel Dündar. 2026. “Relationship Between Demodex Infestation and Clinical Parameters in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Study”. Medical Journal of Western Black Sea 10 (1): 151-56. https://doi.org/10.29058/mjwbs.1795433.
EndNote
Bülbül M, Kaplanoğlu M, Çelik T, Çakılkaya İ, Dündar E (April 1, 2026) Relationship between demodex infestation and clinical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective observational study. Medical Journal of Western Black Sea 10 1 151–156.
IEEE
[1]M. Bülbül, M. Kaplanoğlu, T. Çelik, İ. Çakılkaya, and E. Dündar, “Relationship between demodex infestation and clinical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective observational study”, Med J West Black Sea, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 151–156, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.29058/mjwbs.1795433.
ISNAD
Bülbül, Mehmet - Kaplanoğlu, Mustafa - Çelik, Tuncay - Çakılkaya, İpek - Dündar, Emel. “Relationship Between Demodex Infestation and Clinical Parameters in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Study”. Medical Journal of Western Black Sea 10/1 (April 1, 2026): 151-156. https://doi.org/10.29058/mjwbs.1795433.
JAMA
1.Bülbül M, Kaplanoğlu M, Çelik T, Çakılkaya İ, Dündar E. Relationship between demodex infestation and clinical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective observational study. Med J West Black Sea. 2026;10:151–156.
MLA
Bülbül, Mehmet, et al. “Relationship Between Demodex Infestation and Clinical Parameters in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Study”. Medical Journal of Western Black Sea, vol. 10, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 151-6, doi:10.29058/mjwbs.1795433.
Vancouver
1.Mehmet Bülbül, Mustafa Kaplanoğlu, Tuncay Çelik, İpek Çakılkaya, Emel Dündar. Relationship between demodex infestation and clinical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective observational study. Med J West Black Sea. 2026 Apr. 1;10(1):151-6. doi:10.29058/mjwbs.1795433

The Western Black Sea Medical Journal is an international, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal published by Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University. First launched in 2017, the journal is published three times a year (in April, August, and December) and accepts articles in both Turkish and English.