Advancements in Demodex mite detection: a comparative analysis of YOLOv5 and YOLOv8 utilizing microscopic examination images

This study conducts a rigorous comparative assessment of YOLOv5 and YOLOv8 for the detection of Demodex mites in microscopic examination images, leveraging crucial metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The investigation reveals the unequivocal superiority of YOLOv8, not only in quantitative measures but also substantiated by visual evidence, showcasing its applicability for real-time scenarios. YOLOv8 exhibits exceptional accuracy in overall detection and introduces a novel functionality for quantitative assessment of individual mites, providing essential granularity for precise diagnoses and therapeutic planning within dermatological and ophthalmological contexts. Positioned as a substantial advancement in object detection methodologies, YOLOv8 holds promise for significantly improving both accuracy and granularity in Demodex mite detection within microscopic examination images. While acknowledging potential limitations associated with dataset-specific considerations, this research underscores the imperative for further validation across diverse clinical scenarios. Computational considerations for real-time processing prompt future investigations to explore optimization strategies, particularly in resource-constrained environments. These findings position YOLOv8 as a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers engaged in dermatological and ophthalmological studies, offering heightened accuracy and nuanced insights. Ongoing research, encompassing clinical validations and comparative assessments with other state-of-the-art models, is anticipated to contribute to a more exhaustive understanding of YOLOv8's potential and limitations in real-world applications based on microscopic examination images.