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Diarrhea and acaroid mites: a clinical study
Chao-Pin Li1, Yu-Bao Cui, Jian Wang
1Department of Etiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science Technology, Huainan 232001, Anhui Province, China. cpli@aust.edu.cn
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 11, 2003
Summary
Acaroid mites can cause diarrhea and elevate immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Occupational exposure in certain environments increases the risk of mite-induced diarrhea, independent of gender.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Gastroenterology
- Allergology
Background:
- Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal disorder with various etiologies.
- Acaroid mites are microscopic arthropods that can inhabit various environments.
- The role of acaroid mites as a causative agent of human diarrhea requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of diarrhea associated with acaroid mite infestation.
- To determine the prevalence of acaroid mites in patients presenting with diarrhea.
- To explore the relationship between mite infestation, allergic responses, and patient occupation.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples from 241 diarrhea patients were analyzed for acaroid mites using saline flotation.
- Skin prick tests and measurements of total IgE and mite-specific IgE were performed on all participants.
- Patient occupations were recorded to assess occupational exposure risks.
Main Results:
- Acaroid mites were detected in 17.01% of stool samples.
- Patients with mites in stool showed significantly higher total IgE and mite-specific IgE levels (P<0.01).
- Individuals working in traditional Chinese medicine or rice storehouses had a higher prevalence of mite-positive diarrhea (26.74%) compared to other professions (11.61%, P<0.01).
Conclusions:
- Acaroid mites are identified as a cause of diarrhea in humans.
- Mite infestation is associated with elevated serum levels of total IgE and mite-specific IgE.
- Occupational factors, particularly exposure in storehouse environments, are linked to increased prevalence of acaroid mite-induced diarrhea, irrespective of gender.