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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation
Published on: May 30, 2020
Present situation of house dust mites in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt
Atef M El-Shazly1, Samar N El-Beshbishi, Manar S Azab
1Departments of Parasitology, Faculties of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
Abstract:
House dust mites are common inhalant allergens, which can precipitate atopic disease episodes. The present study revealed presence of four mites. These are Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus, Acheles gracilis and Ornithonyssus bacoti. Population densities of different live adult mites were investigated in different house habitats. In urban houses, pyroglyphid mites were the predominant in bedrooms and D. farinae was the most abundant. A. gracilis was more abundant in living rooms followed by D. farinae then D. pteronyssinus. A. gracilis was the most prevalent in kitchens. While in rural houses, O. bacoti was the most abundant species followed by pyroglyphid mites. Since Dermatophagoides species and A. gracilis were present in numbers high enough to allow their ecological consideration, their seasonal abundance in urban bed-rooms was investigated and revealed that both D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus have two peaks of abundance, one slightly higher in spring and the second in autumn. A. gracilis has two peaks but the higher occurred in autumn and the second in spring.
Insights
House dust mites, including Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus, are prevalent allergens. Their population densities and seasonal abundance vary across urban and rural house habitats, impacting atopic disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Allergen research
- Medical entomology
Background:
- House dust mites are significant inhalant allergens triggering atopic diseases.
- Understanding mite populations in homes is crucial for managing allergic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify mite populations in various domestic environments.
- To investigate the seasonal abundance of key mite species in urban bedrooms.
Main Methods:
- Field study collecting and identifying live adult mites from different house habitats.
- Population density analysis of Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus, Acheles gracilis, and Ornithonyssus bacoti.
- Seasonal abundance tracking of Dermatophagoides species and A. gracilis in urban bedrooms.
Main Results:
- Four mite species identified: D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, A. gracilis, and O. bacoti.
- Pyroglyphid mites, particularly D. farinae, dominated urban bedrooms. A. gracilis was prevalent in living rooms and kitchens.
- Rural houses showed O. bacoti as the most abundant, followed by pyroglyphid mites.
- D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus exhibited two seasonal peaks in urban bedrooms (spring and autumn).
- A. gracilis also showed two peaks, with a higher abundance in autumn and a secondary peak in spring.
Conclusions:
- Mite distribution varies significantly between urban and rural homes and across different rooms.
- Dermatophagoides species and A. gracilis are ecologically significant and exhibit distinct seasonal population dynamics.
- Findings provide insights into allergen exposure patterns, aiding in the control of atopic diseases.
