House dust mite asthma in China: a review

House dust mites are ubiquitous but no publications on disease associated with them are readily available from China. A review of published research in China is presented. A mean of 1,328 mites/g of dust was detected in homes: D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus (D. pt.) predominated. Mixed house dust mite solution elicited a positive skin test in 78% of asthmatics but D. pt. and D. farinae antigens in only 40%. Desensitization of house dust-sensitive asthmatics has been successful in 71% with IgG blocking antibodies being predictive of a successful outcome.