The influence of household pets on the composition and quantity of allergenic mite fauna within Irish homes: a preliminary investigation

Abstract

Allergenic mites are responsible for inducing hypersensitive reactions in genetically predisposed people worldwide. Mites in dust from 30 Irish homes with pets (dogs, n = 23; cats, n = 7) were compared with those in 30 homes without pets. House dust mites constituted 78% of all mites recorded, with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acariformes: Pyroglyphidae) representing 57-72% of mites in furniture and mattresses in both home types compared with only 22% of mites in pet beds. Although storage mites accounted for just 13% of all mites recorded, they represented 46% of mites recorded in pet beds. Median levels of the dust mite allergen Der p 1 (µg/g) in dust samples from mattresses in homes without pets were significantly greater than in mattresses from homes with pets, reflecting the greater densities of D. pteronyssinus found in the former home category. Mite species richness was greater in homes with pets (17 species) than in homes without pets (13 species). This suggests that although the presence of pets can result in a wider variety of epidemiologically important mite species within households, increased competition among mite species may result in a more balanced mite fauna in the home, inhibiting the dominance of any one species and hence lowering allergen-associated risks.

Prevalence of allergic sensitization to storage mites in Northern Europe

“…Furthermore, other factors may affect the prevalence of mites. As reported by studies from Ireland and Sweden, both storage mites and HDMs are found in home environments. Mattresses, stuffed furniture, household pets and pet beds are sources of both mite types, suggesting that the mites thrive in these environments.…”

House dust mite (HDM) and storage mite (SM) molecular sensitisation profiles and association with clinical outcomes in allergic asthma and rhinitis: protocol for a systematic review

“…23 L. destructor, being considered an SM historically found mainly where plant or animal foods are processed and stored, has been detected in significant amounts in house dust from various regions of the world. [24][25][26] Although the pyroglyphid HDM D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae seem to predominate, glyciphagid SM mites, such as L. destructor and B. tropicalis may also be important in some regions. 27 Taking these aspects into account, it is vital to study the clinical relevance of L. destructor.…”

Clinical Relevance of <i>Lepidoglyphus destructor</i> Sensitisation in Allergic Rhinitis: Nasal Provocation Test as in vivo Assessment

“…Nonetheless, according to increasing evidence, some SMs have penetrated the habitats of HDM [5][6][7][8]. Studies from different countries have shown that IgE-mediated allergy to SM, with Lep d being the most prevalent one, is of considerable importance in both rural and urban populations [9][10][11][12][13][14]. A study conducted along the portuguese region analysed dust samples from houses throughout the territory to better understand the intensity of allergic exposure to HDM and SM.…”