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The Melbourne House Dust Mite Study: long-term efficacy of house dust mite reduction strategies
R Sporik1, D J Hill, P J Thompson
1Department of Allergy, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Background:
Asthma severity among mite-sensitized individuals appears to be related to the degree of mite allergen exposure.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to assess the long-term effectiveness of mite avoidance measures in the homes of asthmatic children in Melbourne, Australia.
Methods:
The concentration of house dust mite allergen (Der p 1) was measured on the child's mattress surfaces and bedroom floors in 85 homes on 10 occasions over a 16-month period. After the first three visits, all mattresses were covered with a semipermeable encasement, and carpeted bedroom floors were randomly allocated to regular applications of a placebo or an "anti-mite" shampoo.
Results:
The concentration of Der p 1 recovered was initially high in the carpeted bedrooms (n = 66) (41.1, 95% confidence interval, 30.7 to 55.0 microg Der p 1 per gm) and mattresses (n = 85) (39.6, 27.2 to 57.7). During the initial observation period the concentration of mite allergen fell in the treatment, placebo, and parental control groups. During the seven treatment periods, no differences were seen between the Der p 1 concentrations in the groups using the "anti-mite" shampoo, placebo shampoo, or the parental control group (e.g., at visit 4; 12.6, 8.2 to 19.5; 14.8, 8.6 to 25.1; and 12.0, 8.1 to 17.7 microg/gm, respectively). In contrast, the concentration of Der p 1 in samples from uncarpeted floors and mattress encasements was low (4.1, 2.1 to 8.0 microg/gm and 4.2, 2.6 to 6.5 microg/gm, respectively) and insufficient dust for analysis was frequently obtained from these sites.
Conclusions:
There was no additional benefit from the use of an "anti-mite" shampoo. The absence of carpets and the use of mattress encasements was a useful long-term strategy for mite allergen avoidance.
Insights
Mite allergen avoidance in homes of asthmatic children is crucial. Mattress encasements and removing carpets effectively reduce mite allergen levels long-term, unlike anti-mite shampoos.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Asthma Management
Background:
- Asthma severity in mite-sensitized individuals correlates with mite allergen exposure.
- Understanding mite allergen exposure is key to managing asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of mite avoidance strategies.
- Assessed house dust mite allergen (Der p 1) reduction in asthmatic children's homes.
Main Methods:
- Measured Der p 1 levels on mattresses and floors in 85 homes over 16 months.
- Implemented mattress encasements and randomized carpet treatments (anti-mite shampoo, placebo, control).
Main Results:
- Initially high Der p 1 levels were observed in carpeted bedrooms and on mattresses.
- Anti-mite shampoo showed no significant benefit over placebo or control.
- Uncarpeted floors and mattress encasements maintained low Der p 1 concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Anti-mite shampoos are ineffective for reducing house dust mite allergen levels.
- Absence of carpets and use of mattress encasements are effective long-term mite allergen avoidance strategies.
