Demodex brevis

Demodex brevis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Trombidiformes
Family:	Demodecidae
Genus:	Demodex
Species:	D. brevis
Binomial name
Demodex brevis Akbulatova, 1963

Demodex brevis is one of the two species of face mite that inhabit humans (the other being Demodex folliculorum). They are about half as long, at 0.15 to 0.2 mm (6 to 8 thousandths of an inch),^[1] as D. folliculorum, but otherwise have few differences. Most of the article on Demodex folliculorum applies equally to D. brevis.

They are usually found in the sebaceous glands of the human body. D. brevis reproduces in the sebaceous glands in the same way that D. folliculorum reproduces in the follicles.^[2] Under normal conditions, they are not harmful, and are considered commensals, whereby the mite benefits but there is no harm or benefit to the host, rather than parasites where the host is harmed, or mutualistic organisms where the host benefits. During a severe infestation, though, there may be adverse effects on the host, such as demodicosis.Under typical conditions, Demodex mites are common inhabitants of human skin. They are often described as commensal, meaning the organism benefits while the host is assumed to experience neither harm nor benefit. This classification reflects historical convention rather than demonstrated neutrality. Demodex interact mechanically with follicles and glands, carry surface bacteria, and influence the local micro‑environment, so their presence is not biologically inert. When mite density increases substantially, these interactions may contribute to adverse effects on the host, a condition sometimes referred to as demodicosis.