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Feeding Interactions Between Microorganisms and the House Dust Mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and

Vit Molva1,2, Marta Nesvorna1, Jan Hubert1

  • 1Crop Research Institute, Drnovska, Prague, Czechia.

Journal of Medical Entomology
|May 31, 2019
PubMed

Insights

House dust mites (HDM) feed on various microbes, with some bacteria and fungi supporting their reproduction. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and specific Staphylococcus bacteria are highly suitable food sources for HDM survival and population growth.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Allergen research
  • Entomology

Background:

  • House dust mites (HDM) rely on microbial interactions for survival in human environments.
  • Understanding the specific microbial diets suitable for different HDM species is crucial for managing mite populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the suitability of various microbial species as food sources for two common house dust mite species, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae.
  • To compare mite population growth and feeding preferences on diets supplemented with different bacteria and fungi.

Main Methods:

  • Microbial species isolated from HDM cultures were offered to mites in controlled laboratory feeding trials.
  • Mite population growth and feeding preferences were assessed using cafeteria tests and microcosm observations.
  • Diets were supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and specific bacterial or fungal species at defined concentrations.

Main Results:

  • House dust mites (HDM) demonstrated varying abilities to feed and reproduce on different microbial species.
  • Increasing Saccharomyces cerevisiae concentration significantly enhanced mite suitability.
  • Dermatophagoides farinae preferred and reproduced well on Staphylococcus spp. bacteria, while D. pteronyssinus thrived on specific Aspergillus fungi.
  • Certain bacteria and yeasts negatively impacted mite population growth, highlighting species-specific dietary effects.

Conclusions:

  • Microorganisms represent a significant food source for house dust mites (HDM).
  • Dietary suitability varies among microbial species, influencing HDM population dynamics.
  • Specific bacterial and fungal species can support or inhibit the growth of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, offering insights into mite-host-microbe interactions.
Keywords:
bacteriafeedingfungimitesrespiration

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