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Risk of exposure to house dust pyroglyphid mites in Poland
1Department of Biology and Parasitology, Silesian Medical Academy, Medykòw 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland. solarzk@slam.katowice.pl
Abstract:
During the period of 1989-2000, 335 house dust samples were collected from dwellings at 27 different localities in Poland. Mite allergen exposure was measured in house dust samples collected by performing of mite taxa determination and measuring of the mite allergen levels by a semiquantitative guanine method (Acarex(R) test). Mites were found in 158 of the samples examined (47.2%). A total 3,714 mites were isolated and 15 species identified, including four species from the family Pyroglyphidae (house dust mites). Among them, Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) was predominant (approximately 67% of the total count), followed by D. pteronyssinus (DP) (17.6%) and Euroglyphus maynei (EM) (1.6%). Hirstia chelidonis (HCh) was found for the first time in house dust samples in Poland. DF was predominant in Iwonicz-Zdroj (96.6%), Katowice (91.8%), Sosnowiec (89.4%), Chorzow (94.8%), Bytom (50.9%), Swiêtochlowice (96.7%) and generally in Upper Silesia (88.2%), whereas DP dominated in Lod (92.9%), Wodzislaw (80.9%), Krakow (45.6%) and Bielsko-Biala (24.8%). Only 14.3% of the mites collected were alive. Total mean number of domestic mites per gram of dust (in all samples examined) was 204.1 +/- 1079.8. The greatest number of mites per 1 gram of dust was 14,971.4. Mite densities and levels of mite allergens (expressed as Acarex test steps) in samples from beds, floors and upholstery furnitures at particular localities in Poland, and in dwellings of atopic versus non-atopic subjects were compared. Highest mite concentrations were usually found in dust from beds, carpets and shutters. D. farinae was distinctly more abundant both per 1 gram of dust and per 1 sample than the species D. pteronyssinus. Other pyroglyphid mites, E. maynei and H. chelidonis, occurred in very small numbers. No significant differences were found between the counts of mites (total and live) in the dwellings of atopic and non-atopic persons. Approximately 49.5% of samples showed positive levels of the mite allergens (Acarex test steps). An influence of some abiotic indoor factors on the mite prevalence in the examined dwellings was analysed separately in relation to samples of bed dust, floor dust and dust from upholstery furnitures. The density of mites was influenced mainly by the type of heating, temperature, type of sleeping accommodation, type of floor or furniture, sampling method, and type of building, whereas levels of the mite allergens were associated with the mite density, relative humidity, month, sampling method, type of building and type of heating.
Insights
House dust mites, primarily Dermatophagoides farinae, were prevalent in Polish homes, with allergen levels detected in nearly half of samples. Mite density was influenced by indoor factors, but not significantly by atopy status.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Allergen Research
- Public Health
Background:
- House dust mites are a significant source of indoor allergens, contributing to respiratory and allergic diseases.
- Understanding mite prevalence and allergen levels in different environments is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous studies have highlighted the importance of house dust mite (HDM) exposure, but data from Poland was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and distribution of house dust mites and their allergens in Polish dwellings.
- To identify the predominant mite species and compare their abundance.
- To investigate the relationship between mite density, allergen levels, and indoor environmental factors, including atopy.
Main Methods:
- Collected 335 house dust samples from 27 localities in Poland between 1989-2000.
- Identified mite taxa and quantified mite allergen levels using a semiquantitative guanine method (Acarex test).
- Analyzed mite density and allergen levels in relation to various abiotic indoor factors and atopic status.
Main Results:
- Mites were found in 47.2% of samples, with Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) being the predominant species (67%).
- Significant regional variations in mite species dominance were observed, with DF prevalent in Upper Silesia and D. pteronyssinus (DP) in other areas.
- Mite allergen levels (Acarex test positive) were detected in 49.5% of samples; mite density was highest in beds, carpets, and upholstery.
- Mite density was significantly influenced by heating type, temperature, sleeping accommodation, flooring, sampling method, and building type.
- No significant difference in mite counts was found between atopic and non-atopic individuals' dwellings.
Conclusions:
- House dust mites, particularly Dermatophagoides farinae, are widespread in Polish homes, posing a potential risk for allergic sensitization.
- Indoor environmental factors play a crucial role in determining mite density and allergen presence.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of mite allergen exposure in the Polish population.