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Seasonal fluctuations of Dermatophagoides mite population in house dust
H Matsuoka1, N Meada, Y Atsuta
1Department of Medical Zoology, Mie University School of Medicine.
Abstract:
To evaluate seasonal fluctuations of Dermatophagoides species (sp.) in residential houses in Mie Prefecture, Japan, we employed the ELISA inhibition method with rabbit polyclonal antibody to eggs and adult mites. House dust accumulated for seven days in vacuum cleaners was collected from 14 houses of atopic patients every month for one year. The one-week-dust samples weighed from 2.5 to 117 g (mean 35.9 g). The density of Dermatophagoides spp. in the dust samples were 5 to 755 mites per gram (mean 109). During one week, 100 to 20,400 (mean 4,200) mites of Dermatophagoides sp. were collected. Among 142 samples in one year, 50 (35.2%) contained more than 100 mites per gram, which is a critical number for atopic symptoms. From December to February, 12 (34.5%) out of 35 samples contained more than 100 mites per gram. These results suggest that Dermatophagoides sp. have become a year-round allergen in Japan.
Insights
House dust mites, including Dermatophagoides species, are a year-round allergen in Japan. High mite levels were found in homes of atopic patients, indicating a significant risk for allergy sufferers.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Medical Entomology
Background:
- Dermatophagoides species (mites) are a major cause of allergic diseases worldwide.
- Seasonal fluctuations of mite allergens in Japan are not well understood.
- Atopic patients are particularly sensitive to mite allergens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seasonal distribution and density of Dermatophagoides species in residential environments in Mie Prefecture, Japan.
- To assess the correlation between mite levels and the risk of atopic symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Collected weekly house dust samples from 14 atopic patients' homes over one year.
- Utilized ELISA inhibition method with specific antibodies to quantify mite eggs and adults.
- Measured mite density in mites per gram of dust.
Main Results:
- Dermatophagoides species were detected in all samples throughout the year.
- Average mite density was 109 mites per gram of dust.
- 35.2% of samples exceeded 100 mites per gram, a threshold linked to atopic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Dermatophagoides species are present year-round in Japanese homes, posing a continuous allergy risk.
- Elevated mite levels are common, especially during winter months (December-February).
- Findings suggest Dermatophagoides mites are a persistent allergen in Japan, necessitating year-round management strategies.