Dust Mites Population in Indoor Houses of Suspected Allergic Patients of South Assam, India

Abstract

Background. In the present study, quality and quantity of indoor dust mites was evaluated at the residence of 150 atopic allergic patients from four different districts of South Assam. Methods. Suspected patients with case history of allergic disease were selected for indoor survey. Dust samples (500 mg) were collected from the selected patient's house and were analyzed using standard methods. Results. About 60% of the selected patients were found suffering from respiratory disorders and rest 40% from skin allergy. The dominant mites recorded from indoor dust samples were Dermatophagoides followed by Blomia, Acarus, and Cheyletus while Caloglyphus was recorded in least number. The distribution of mites on the basis of housing pattern indicates that RCC type of buildings supports maximum dust mite's population followed by Assam type (semi-RCC) buildings, and the lowest count was observed in wooden houses. Environmental factors like temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity are found to determine the indoor mite's population. Severity of allergic attack in some of the typical cases was found to be proportional to the allergen load of mites in the dust samples. Conclusions. The economic status, housing pattern, and local environmental factors determine the diversity and abundance of dust mites in indoor environment.

Studies on the Occurrence, Identification and Control of House Dust Mites at Rural Houses of Shebin El-Kom Locality, Egypt

“…The population of mites in the dust samples were found to be vary from place to anther which could be due to the difference in the structure, age of the buildings, status of the individuals, type of furniture and difference in the microclimatic conditions that contributes to the higher accumulation of mites in home dust (Modak et al, 1991;Sharma et al, 2011). Mites prefer warm, moist surroundings.…”

“…House dust mites are more common in dust of mattresses and bedroom floors than in dust from the other areas of the house (Maunsell et al, 1968;Van Bronswijk, 1973). The two pyroglyphid mites are important sources of allergens that cause respiratory allergies including asthma worldwide inside homes in humid areas (Hallas, 1991;Arlian et al, 1992;Colloff et al, 1992;Solarz, 2001a, b;Sharma et al, 2011;Pittner et al, 2004). The two pyroglyphid mites are also identified as etiologic agent of sensitization and asthma-triggering in children (Lau et al, 1989;Arshad and Hide, 1992).…”

House Dust Mites: Studies on the Occurrence, Identification and Control in Rural Houses of Shebin El-Kom Locality, Egypt

“…Among the species of the family Pyroglyphidae, Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus are the most important due to their worldwide occurrence and abundance in homes with a high RH. They are a major source of allergens triggering the onset of bronchial asthma, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and their causal association with sudden infant death syndrome (Heimerdinger et al 2006;Hallas 1991;Arlian et al 1992;Colloff, et al 1992;Solarz 2001a, b;Sharma et al 2011: Pittner et al 2004Lau-Schadendorf et al 1989;Arshad & Hide 1992). Pyroglyphid mites are found in houses in various areas of Egypt (Rezk 2004;Rezk et al 1996).…”

Biodiversity And Population Dynamics of Dust Mites

“…Regular vacuuming, replacing carpets, covering mattresses and pillows in plastic and lowering humidity can reduce mite population. The RCC type of buildings supports maximum dust mites population, followed by Assam type (semi-RCC) buildings, and the lowest count was observed in the wooden houses (Sharma et al 2011) [39]. The concentration of house dust mites in the patient's dwellings was also associated with the age of the patients and increased with increasing number of persons in the households (Hallas and Korsgaard, 1997) [40].…”