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House dust mite fauna in Turkey
A F Kalpaklioglu1, M Emekçi, A G Ferizli
1University of Baskent, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases.
Journal of Investigational Allergology & Clinical Immunology
|March 10, 1998
Summary
House dust mites (HDM) and storage mites are prevalent in Turkish homes, particularly in humid northern regions. These mites are significant allergens, and storage mites should be considered in allergy testing for asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis.
Area of Science:
- Allergen research
- Environmental microbiology
- Clinical immunology
Background:
- House dust mites (HDM) and storage mites are recognized as significant allergen sources for sensitive individuals.
- Understanding mite prevalence is crucial for diagnosing and managing allergic respiratory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acarofauna (mite species) in dust samples from homes across diverse Anatolian climates.
- To determine the relationship between mite presence, climate conditions, and potential clinical significance in allergic patients.
Main Methods:
- Dust samples were collected from 133 homes in five distinct Anatolian regions.
- Mite species were identified using standard acarological techniques.
- Climate data, especially humidity, was correlated with mite distribution.
Main Results:
- HDM and/or storage mites were detected in 32% of the dust samples.
- Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae were identified in 20 samples, while storage mites were found in 21.
- Lepidoglyphus destructor and Gamasidae were the most common storage mites. Mite prevalence, particularly in northern Anatolia, correlated with humidity.
- Significant exposure to HDM and various storage mites was observed in allergic patients in Turkey.
Conclusions:
- Mite distribution is influenced by climatic factors, notably humidity, with higher rates in northern Anatolia.
- A variety of storage mites may play a clinically relevant role in allergic conditions in Turkey.
- Due to cross-reactivity, storage mites should be included in standard allergy skin testing for suspected allergic asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in Turkey.