Demodicidiasis and Leprosy

Despite a wealth of speculation there is no proof that any arthropod serves as transmission agent fo r human leprosy (Dungal, [g61). As a suspect vector the acarine Demodex fo lliculorum is in some respects unique since it is (I) apparently ubiquitous with an incidence of 100 per cent (Fuss, I 933 ) , (2) fo und in intimate association with NIycobacterium leprae in the skin complex (Borrel, Ig08) , and (3) probably passed fr om mother to young during the nursing process. Furthermore, Spickett (lg6Ib) reported the presence of acid-fast bacteria in the gut of D. fo lliculorum and that the gut contents of the mite can be regurgitated. These observations point up the need for continuing re-evaluation and fo r fu rther studies on the possible causal relationship between demodicidiasis and leprosy.