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Mite fauna in the home and sensitivity to house-dust and storage mites
Abstract:
In search of potential new indoor allergen sources, all mites in dust from homes of 55 asthmatic children living in three climatic regions in Sweden were counted and identified by light microscope. Antibodies of the IgE class against three house-dust mites and three storage mites were measured in corresponding serum samples. Mites were found in all but two homes from the northernmost area, where levels also were lower than in the other regions. The highest mite densities were most often found in bedrooms (50%) and living rooms (40%). Mite density was increased in homes with high humidity and was higher in bungalows than in flats. House-dust mites predominated in the south and storage mites in the east central area, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Mite-density and IgE-antibody levels against house-dust mites were significantly associated. The same association applied to storage mites. Other species numbered around 100 mites/g dust in some homes. Microscopy helps to identify potentially important mites. Analysing home dust only for house-dust mites will underestimate mite exposure. Storage mites may be as relevant to sensitivity as house-dust mites. As other species occasionally were found in high numbers, their relevance should also be assessed.
Insights
Indoor dust contains various mites that can trigger asthma. This study found both house-dust and storage mites are linked to allergic reactions in children, highlighting the need to consider all mite types for accurate exposure assessment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Allergology
- Indoor Microbiology
Background:
- Indoor allergens, particularly dust mites, are significant triggers for asthma.
- Understanding the prevalence and diversity of mites in homes is crucial for managing allergic diseases.
- Previous research has primarily focused on house-dust mites, potentially overlooking other significant mite groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify mite populations in the homes of asthmatic children across different Swedish climatic regions.
- To investigate the association between mite exposure and specific IgE antibody levels in children.
- To assess the relevance of both house-dust mites and storage mites as indoor allergens.
Main Methods:
- Dust samples were collected from 55 asthmatic children's homes in three Swedish climatic regions.
- Mites were identified and counted using light microscopy.
- Serum samples were analyzed for IgE antibodies against common house-dust and storage mites.
Main Results:
- Mites were detected in nearly all homes, with lower levels in the northernmost region.
- Highest mite densities were found in bedrooms and living rooms.
- Mite density correlated positively with home humidity and was higher in bungalows than flats.
- House-dust mites were prevalent in the south, while storage mites dominated in the east-central area, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Significant associations were found between mite density and IgE antibody levels for both house-dust and storage mites.
- Other mite species were occasionally found in high numbers, suggesting broader exposure.
Conclusions:
- Indoor dust harbors diverse mite species, including house-dust and storage mites, which are associated with allergic sensitization in asthmatic children.
- Analyzing dust for only house-dust mites may underestimate total mite exposure and allergenicity.
- Storage mites appear to be as relevant as house-dust mites in allergic sensitivity.
- Further assessment of other mite species found in high numbers is warranted to fully understand indoor allergen exposure.
