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Storage mite concentrations are underestimated compared to house dust mite concentrations

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Abstract

Dwellings are increasingly well insulated to save energy and this leads to higher humidity and temperature, which improves conditions for mites. Dermatophagoides antigens are the main allergens involved and tested in atopic asthma. We developed three new species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods for house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae) and storages mites (Acarus siro, Glycyphagus domesticus, Lepidoglyphus destructor). We sampled dust with electrostatic dust collectors, in the bedrooms, under beds and in the kitchens of patients with allergies (n = 24) and healthy controls (n = 18). Mite quantification was carried out with the three new qPCRs and the qPCR previously described for the Dermatophagoides genus. The qPCRs were highly specific and efficient for house dust mite species and the storage mites. Storage mite concentrations were higher than house dust mite concentrations and were higher in dwellings of patients with allergies. Consequently, allergists should test more often patients against the storage mite antigens by prick tests or IgE serology. Dampness is a major factor in storage mite development and the presence of effective mechanical ventilation can reduce storage mite concentrations four-fold. In addition, to limit exposure to dust mites, treatments should be used throughout dwellings and not only in patients’ bedrooms.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the MIEC, Ms. Laure Blanchon and Ms. Martine Bochaton from the ‘Mutualité de Bourgogne’ (directed by Mr. Guillaume Gardin), and Ms. Habiba Amari from the ‘Réseau d’Allergologie de Franche-Comté’ (directed by Dr. Jean-Marc Rame), for recruiting patients with allergies and sedimented dust sampling. We thank Ms. Claire Labartette from the ‘ATMO Franche-Comté’ (directed by Dr. Francis Schweitzer), for recruiting control dwellings, and Ms. Frances Thivet of the Thivet Language Services for her editorial assistance. The authors thank Dr. Alexander Naegele for his contribution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UMR/CNRS 6249, Chrono-Environnement, University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France

    Gabriel Reboux, Benoit Valot, Steffi Rocchi, Emeline Scherer, Sandrine Roussel & Laurence Millon

  2. Department of Parasitology-Mycology, UMR CNRS 6249, University Hospital of Besançon, Bd Fleming, 25030, Besançon, France

    Gabriel Reboux, Steffi Rocchi, Emeline Scherer & Laurence Millon

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  1. Gabriel Reboux
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  2. Benoit Valot
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  3. Steffi Rocchi
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  4. Emeline Scherer
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  5. Sandrine Roussel
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  6. Laurence Millon
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Correspondence to Gabriel Reboux.

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Reboux, G., Valot, B., Rocchi, S. et al. Storage mite concentrations are underestimated compared to house dust mite concentrations. Exp Appl Acarol 77, 511–525 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-019-00376-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-019-00376-2

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