<i>Demodex</i>-Associated<i>Bacillus</i>Proteins Induce an Aberrant Wound Healing Response in a Corneal Epithelial Cell Line: Possible Implications for Corneal Ulcer Formation in Ocular Rosacea

Abstract

The results indicate that exposure of corneal epithelial cells to Bacillus proteins results in an aberrant wound healing response as visualized using a scratch wound assay. These results suggest a possible link between the high density of Demodex mites on the eyelashes of ocular rosacea patients and the development of corneal ulcers.