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Mite allergy and mite exposure in Iceland
Thorkil E Hallas1, Thorarinn Gislason, David Gislason
1Allergy Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. thallas@hotmail.com
Summary
Mite allergy in Iceland shows similar sensitization rates between urban and rural areas. However, exposure to house dust mites and barn mites is significantly lower in the capital, suggesting rural environments are key for sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Zoology
Background:
- Mite allergy is a significant health concern, with two primary forms identified in Iceland: house dust mite allergy and barn allergy.
- House dust mite allergy stems from unknown sources, while barn allergy is linked to mites involved in stored hay degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mite allergy prevalence and sources of exposure in Iceland.
- To compare mite sensitization and exposure levels between urban (Reykjavik) and rural (farms) populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized skin prick tests with commercial mite extracts for allergy assessment.
- Conducted zoological investigations to identify mite presence in relevant dust samples.
- Analyzed survey data comparing urban and rural populations.
Main Results:
- Identified house dust mites and barn mites as major allergens.
- Observed similar sensitization frequencies for both mite types in Reykjavik and rural areas.
- Found unexpectedly low exposure levels to these mites in the capital area.
Conclusions:
- Sensitization to house dust mites and barn mites appears to occur preferentially in rural environments.
- Despite similar allergy rates, urban exposure is lower, indicating a potential disconnect in sensitization origins.
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