House dust mite

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia House dust mite

Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Arachnida Subclass: Acarina Order: Acariformes Family: Pyroglyphidae Genus: Dermatophagoides Species: D. pteronyssinus Binomial name Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Trouessart, 1897

The house dust mite (sometimes referred to by allergists as HDM) is a cosmopolitan guest in human habitation. Dust mites feed on organic detritus such as flakes of shed human skin and flourish in the stable environment of dwellings. House dust mites are a common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide. The mite's gut contains potent digestive enzymes (notably proteases) that persists in their feces and are major inducers of allergic reactions such as wheezing. The mite's exoskeleton can also contribute to allergic reactions. The European house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and the American house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) are two different species, but are not necessarily confined to Europe or North America; a third species Euroglyphus maynei also occurs widely.

Contents
[hide]

1 Size 2 Life cycle 3 Habitat and food

4 Asthma and allergies 5 Myths and misconceptions 6 Eradication 7 References 8 External links

[edit] Size
The body of a house dust mite is just visible against a dark background in normal light. A typical house dust mite measures 0.4 millimetres (0.016 in) in length and 0.250.32 millimetre (0.00980.013 in) in width. Both male and female adult house dust mites are creamy blue and have a rectangular shape. The body of the house dust mite also contains a striated cuticle. Like all acari, house dust mites have eight legs (except 3 pairs in the first instar).

[edit] Life cycle

The average life cycle for a male house dust mite is 10 to 19 days. A mated female house dust mite can last up to 70 days, laying 60 to 100 eggs in the last 5 weeks of her life. In a 10-week life span, a house dust mite will produce approximately 2,000 fecal particles and an even larger number of partially digested enzyme-covered dust particles.[1]

[edit] Habitat and food

The house dust mite survives in all climates, even at high altitude. House dust mites thrive in the indoor environment provided by homes, specifically in bedrooms and kitchens. Dust mites survive well in mattresses, carpets, furniture and bedding, with figures around 188 animals/g dust. Even in dry climates, house dust mites survive and reproduce easily in bedding (especially in pillows), deriving moisture from the humidity generated by human breathing, perspiration and saliva.[2] House dust mites consume minute particles of organic matter. Like all acari, house dust mites have a simple gut; they have no stomach but rather diverticulae, which are sacs or pouches that divert out of hollow organs. Like many decomposer animals, they select food that has been pre-decomposed by fungi.

[edit] Asthma and allergies

Main articles: Asthma and Allergy Allergens produced by house dust mites are among the most common triggers of asthma. Studies have shown the mean attributable fraction of adult asthma due to atopic sensitization was 30% and 18% for sensitization to dust mites.[3] Taken into consideration

this could mean as many as 1.2 billion people could have some form of chronic sensitization to dust mites.[3] The allergy occurs because the immune system of allergy affected individuals, for reasons not fully understood, misinterprets a usually innocuous substance as a disease agent and begins producing a type of antibody against it, called immunoglobulin E (IgE). [4] This is called the 'primary antibody response.' The IgE produced during this response binds to basophils in the bloodstream and to a similar type of cell called mast cells in the tissues. When the person again encounters the allergen, these basophils and mast cells that have bound to IgE release histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which causes inflammation of the surrounding tissues, resulting in allergic symptoms. Most treatment has relied so far on trying to counteract the released chemicals with anti-histamines, Corticosteroids or Salbutamol. Commercial brands of these medications most commonly prescribed to treat Asthma include Ventolin and Seretide. Newer methods to try to treat house dust mite allergy involve immunotherapy. A safety and tolerability clinical trial (Phase IIa) has been completed with positive results by Cytos Biotechnology using an immunotherapeutic (CYT003-QbG10) for treatment of house dust mite-triggered allergies.[5] The French biopharmaceutical company Stallergenes is developing, via the Stalair Program, sublingual desensitization treatments for house dust mite allergy. The immunotherapy tablet, "Actair", has demonstrated efficacy after 4 months of treatment and the persistence of its therapeutic effect after only one year of treatment. (study VO57.07 conducted in Europe) Stallergenes is now preparing filing NDA in Germany. A phase III pediatric study has been launched. Typical symptoms of house dust mite allergies are itchiness, sneezing, inflamed or infected eczema, watering/reddening eyes, sneezing repeatedly and frequently; e.g., on waking up sneezing 10 or more times, runny nose and clogging in the lungs. At present, the best form of treatment for dust mite allergies is avoidance of dust mites and their allergens combined with medication such as anti-histamines, Corticosteroids or Salbutamol. The environment of bedding is optimal for most dust mites, and comparative studies have shown that the density of dust mites in mattresses to be on average greater than 2500/gram of dust.[6] Cleaning beds with most vacuum cleaners will not remove dust mite allergens, but instead throw them into the air and increase their volatility. Some polyethylene bedding is beneficial as it makes the environment difficult for the dust mites. This bedding should also be breathable and be able to withstand frequent washing. A home allergen reduction plan has been recognized as being an essential part to the management of asthma symptoms.[7] and therefore all aspects of the home environment should be considered (proper vacuuming, use of air cleaners, etc.). The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America as well as the Asthma Society of Canada certify products that may be used in a home allergen reduction plan in a Program called Asthma and Allergy Friendly.

[edit] Myths and misconceptions

It is commonly believed that the accumulated detritus from dust mites can add significantly to the weight of mattresses and pillows. While it is true that the fecal matter of dust mites will increase over time, there is no scientific evidence for these claims.[8] Allergy and asthma sufferers are also often advised to avoid feather pillows due to the presumed increased presence of the house dust mite allergen (Der p I). The reverse, however, is true. A 1996 study from the British Medical Journal has shown that polyester fibre pillows contained more than 8 times the total weight of Der p I and 3.57 times more micrograms of Der p I per gram of fine dust than feather pillows.[9]

[edit] Eradication
Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate powder is often used to eradicate house dust mites.[10] A simple washing will remove most of the waste matter. Exposure to temperatures over 60 C (140 F) for a period of one hour or freezing, exposure to temperatures below 0 C (32 F),[11] will typically prove fatal to house dust mites; a relative humidity less than 50% may also be fatal.[12] Ten minutes in a household clothes dryer at lethal temperatures has been shown to be sufficient to kill all the dust mites in bedding.[13] House dust mites reproduce quickly enough that their effect on human health can be significant. As dust mites like warm, fluffy furniture and materials, they are most likely to be found on beds, couches, carpets, rugs, toys, and curtains. Washing will not completely remove all mites or their droppings, but it will remove at least 90%. It is best to have a carpet free house if dust mites or any house pests are dangerous for a person (e.g., because of their allergy), as flat surfaces are easier to clean and vacuum. If a person is allergic to dust mites, anti-mite mattresses or mattresses which prevent any house pests should be used. Regular cleaning and washing of areas where dust mites thrive is necessary to keep them and their waste to a minimum.

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae

Also Known As: dust mite, household dust, dust

Description
Dust mites are microscopic creatures, related to ticks and spiders, that live in house dust. The proteins in dust mite body parts and feces cause allergic reactions in people who have become sensitized to dust mite proteins. Dust mite allergen also triggers asthma attacks and is one of the most important causes of asthma attacks worldwide. Exposure to dust mites may also cause the onset of asthma. This is primarily because dust mites are found nearly everywhere, especially indoors. Therefore, exposure is constant. All homes contain some amount of dust mites. The amount varies depending on the moisture and temperature in the home. Dust mites thrive in humid, warm environments. Because dust mites feed on dead human skin, the allergen tends to be concentrated in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture and carpets. They are very common in stuffed animals. Additionally, pets that have fur or feathers contribute dander to the dust and increase the food source for mites.

Health Effects Immediate Health Effects

If SWALLOWED, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae is Not Available If ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae is Not Available If INHALED (SNIFFED OR BREATHED IN), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae is Not Available

Longterm or Delayed Health Effects

Allergen Asthma Trigger

Other

Typical allergy or hay fever symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose or congestion, sore throat, sinus pain, itchy or watery, red eyes, headache. Asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest. Eczema or skin rashes in infants and young children.

How Exposures Occur Bedding and Mattresses

Dust mites concentrate especially in bedding and mattresses, where children are exposed to dust mite allergen by inhaling it in dust particles.

Carpets

Children can inhale dust mite allergen in dust particles that settle and collect in carpets.

Upholstered Furniture, Cushions and Other Soft Furnishings

Children can inhale dust mite allergen from dust particles collected in furniture upholstery, cushions, draperies and other fabric furnishings.

Stuffed Animals

Children can breathe dust mite allergen from dust particles collected in stuffed animals.

Airborne Dust Particles

Dust mite allergen can also be inhaled while it is airborne, though it tends to settle quickly.

Significant Statistics
Dust mites may be a factor in 50 to 80 percent of asthmatics. Lyon, William F. House Dust Mites, HYG-2157-97. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, Entomology, Ohio State University. http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hygfact/2000/2157.html

A typical used mattress may have anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million dust mites inside. Ten percent of the weight of a two-year-old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their droppings. Lyon, William F. House Dust Mites, HYG-2157-97. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, Entomology, Ohio State University. http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hygfact/2000/2157.html An egglaying female can add 25 to 30 new mites to the population on her lifetime. A mite lives for 30 days. House Dust Allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. September 2007. Mites are not capable of ingesting water. They have to absorb it, so they prefer humid environments, usually 55% to 75% humidity. Dust Mites. Alliance for Healthy Homes. http://www.afhh.org/hhe/hhe_dust_mites.htm

Solutions

How to detect Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae

It is impossible for us to detect dust mites by visual inspection, because they are so tiny. Even when dust particles are not visible, it is possible that dust mite particles linger. Laboratory tests are available to determine if levels are high, but generally this is unnecessary as we can assume that dust mites are present in all homes.

How to minimize exposure to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae

Eliminate or Encase Dust Mite Reservoirs: Remove Carpets: Wall-to-wall carpeting and padding are a significant dust mite traps, which release the allergen when disturbed by foot traffic and other movements on them. If possible, remove such carpets. Hardwood, tile and linoleum are much safer options. See Floor Coverings for information. If you cant live without carpet, choose natural fiber area rugs that can be cleaned easily. Short-pile rugs are the best. Try not to place the carpet on concrete. The warm space between a rug and concrete is a good place for mites to live. For more carpet and rug buying tips, see Carpets and Rugs. Encase mattresses in dust mite-proof covers. Tightly woven barrier cloth or

airtight plastic-backed fabric or polyurethane covers should be placed over mattresses, boxsprings, pillows and comforters. Tape over the zippers with electrical or duct tape. Fabric encasements should be washed in very hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit), while plastic encasements should be washed or damp sponged, every two weeks. Replace pillows filled with feathers, down or foam with synthetic fillings such as Dacron. Keep stuffed toys off beds. An excellent substitute is a little cotton blanket which can be washed regularly. For more information on dust mites and other asthma triggers, see How to Create Better Breathing Space for Asthmatics.

Keep dust mite exposure low by thoroughly cleaning, especially in homes with infants. Wash your sheets, blankets, mattress pads and pillowcases in very hot water (130 degrees F) every week. Curtains should also be washed regularly, though not necessarily as often as bedding. Limit the number of stuffed animals to 2 or 3, wash them once a month in hot water (130 degrees F), and dry thoroughly in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. You can also kill dust mites in stuffed animals that cannot be washed by wrapping the stuffed animal in a plastic bag and placing it in the freezer for 4-5 hours. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture at least twice weekly. Keep your child in another room during and for several hours after vacuuming, because dust may leak out of the vacuum through the exhaust and remain airborne. Open windows while vacuuming to disperse dust. Substitute multi-layered vacuum bags for regular single layer bags, and use a vacuum with a high-efficiency, or HEPA, filter. Do not use a bagless vacuum, as dust mite allergen will be released when the collection container is removed for emptying. Damp-wipe dusty surfaces and mop floors weekly, especially in homes with small children, who spend much of their time on the floor. Avoid steam-cleaning bedding, upholstery and curtains. While the steam will kill mites, it fosters future mite growth by increasing humidity in the fabrics. Ventilate your home. NOTE: Avoid using anti-dust-mite carpet treatments that contain tannic acid

or benzyl benzoate, both of which are skin, eye and respiratory irritants that can make asthma symptoms worse.

Dehumidify: Reduce indoor humidity to 30-50% by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier. Dont put an aquarium, humidifier or other source of water in your bedroom. Clean or replace filters on furnaces and air conditioners regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Install filters on air ducts, if appropriate. Use an air purifier only as a last resort. These devices can help somewhat, but are ineffective if other measures have not been taken. Since dust mite allergen dust does not remain airborne for long, air purifiers are unlikely to remove much dust from the room. If you do purchase an air purifier, make sure it is adequate for the room size, and keep windows and doors closed while it is in operation.

Alternatives

Use plastic or wooden furniture instead of upholstered furniture. Use pillows with synthetic fillings such as Dacron instead of feathers, foam or down pillows. Use cotton blankets instead of wool or down blankets. Avoid down comforters and chenille bedspreads. Curtains: Substitute easy-to-clean blinds or shades for curtains. Dont forget to vacuum these regularly on both sides. Heat from under floor radiant heating systems will kill most mites on floors.

For More information

Books, articles, factsheets and reports

Olkowski, William, Sheila Daar, and Helga Olkowski. Common-Sense Pest Control: Least-Toxic Solutions for Your Home, Garden, Pets, and Community. Newtown, Conn.: Taunton Press, 1991. Biological Pollutants in Your Home: CPSC Document #425. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Information and Public Affairs.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/425.html Ogg, Barb,PhD. Managing House Dustmites. University of Nebrasks-Lincoln. 2009. http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/DustMites311.shtml.

DUST MITES
"Dermatophagoides Farinae"

Click on a picture to enlarge it. One of the most highly allergenic contaminants found indoors is house dust, often heavily contaminated with the fecal pellets and skins of dust mites. Estimates are that dust mites may be a factor in 50 to 80 % of asthma cases, as well as in countless cases of eczema, hay fever, and other allergic ailments. Common causes of allergy and asthma symptoms include house dust mites, mold, cat dander, cockroach droppings and grass pollen.

Symptoms
Usual symptoms are respiratory in nature, usually not a rash. However, there are reports of a red rash around the neck. The wheeze-inducing proteins are digestive juices from the mite gut and are potent allergens. An exposure to the mites in the first year of a infants life can trigger a lifelong allergy.

There is no cure, only prevention.

One must control the levels of dust mites. Beds are a prime habitat, a typical mattress may have anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside. Mites prefer warm, moist surroundings such as the inside of a mattress when someone is on it. Their favorite food is dander (human skin flakes). Bedroom carpeting and household upholstery usually support high mite populations.

Dust mites are about .01 inches (250 to 300 microns ) in length and have translucent bodies, so they are not visible to the unaided eye. For accurate identification, one needs at least 10X magnification. Through a microscope, one will see many oval-shaped mites scuttling around and over one another. There are eight hairy legs, no eyes, no antennae, a mouthpart group in front of body (resembles a head) and a tough, translucent shell, giving a "fearsome appearance".

Control Measures
Recommendations focus on "dust control". One must reduce the concentrations of dust borne allergens in the living environment by controlling both allergen production and the dust which serves to transport it.

Keep the house clean Dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy symptom triggers can be reduced, although not eliminated through regular cleaning. Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner once a week. A high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) vacuum cleaner is recommended because it is much better than ordinary vacuums at trapping very small allergen particles. Wash pillow cases and sheets once a week. Dust mites can be killed by water at 130F (55C) or hotter. Use non-allergenic detergent to help remove dust-mite allergens. They can also be killed by freezing. Keep relative humidity levels below 50 percent. Dust mites as well as other allergens thrive on high humidity. Homes with air conditioning constantly have lower mite counts then non-air conditioned homes. Use a high efficiency air filter. Most of the cheap ordinary air filters an not capable of trapping mites and their by-products. One should also look for a filter that has anti-microbial properties, to prevent the filter from becoming a breeding ground for allergens. Filters that call themselves "washable" should be avoided because it just is not possible to wash 100% of the biological contaminants out of them and they can also become a breeding ground for microbes. Use an allergen barrier pillow case. They creep, they crawl, they trigger allergies while you sleep. Dust mites are the leading source of allergens in the home, and their prime breeding ground is right under your nose. These microscopic, indoor inhabitants have set up camp in your pillow, the warm and humid environment where you spend one-third of your life.

House Dust Allergies: A 'Mitey' Problem

Dust mites are present to some degree in nearly all human habitation. Allergenic proteins from dust mites were found at high levels in a recent nationwide survey of 800 American homes by the National Institute of Environmental Health Services (NIEHS):

About 45 percent of American homes have sufficient dust mite allergens to trigger allergy symptoms. About 23 percent of American homes have sufficient dust mite allergens to trigger asthma symptoms.

In response to these numbers, James Li, M.D., a specialist in allergies, asthma and immunology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., offers the following advice on what you can do to control your exposure to dust mites.

What are dust mites?

Dust mites are tiny organisms with eight legs, distantly related to spiders. You can't see them with the naked eye. Other than triggering allergy and asthma symptoms, they don't cause any harm. They like to live in areas that are warm and humid and can be found in many homes. Some people are allergic to dust mites' decayed bodies and fecal material, which become components of airborne household dust.

It's almost impossible to clear your house of dust, but isn't there something you can do?
There are two ways to try to control dust mite allergens in the home. One approach is to reduce dust mite proliferation by making the home environment as inhospitable to dust mites as possible. The other strategy is to reduce the amount of overall dust in the house.

How can you initiate the first strategy?

First, remember that environments that are moist such as carpeted basements in warm climates are perfect for dust mites. Mattresses and pillows also are excellent habitats for dust mites. If you're trying to reduce your dust mite exposure, keep indoor relative humidity low definitely less than 50 percent. Eliminate any water leaks around the

house, particularly in the basement. In addition, eliminate surfaces where dust mites can proliferate such as carpeting and upholstered furniture.

Is the bedroom of particular concern?

It is, mainly because most people spend about 8 of every 24 hours in the bedroom. As to the second approach reducing the overall amount of dust in the house techniques include putting allergy-proof encasements over the bedding, including the mattress, box spring and pillows. There are newer products that are somewhat more comfortable than plain plastic-bag encasements. Cotton encasements with high thread counts (260 or more threads per inch) can prevent dust mites from crawling in and out of the pillow's interior. They are available at a variety of outlets, such as furniture stores, mattress stores, department stores and medical supply stores. Wash the encasement and your pillow case in hot water (130 F.) at least once each week. Avoid going to bed with wet hair. Moist hair and bedding attracts swarms of dust mites.

Any other suggestions?

Remove carpeting from the bedroom. Having a smooth surface on the floor helps keep dust levels low. It also can be helpful to remove stored paper, stored blankets, upholstered furniture and other dust-collecting materials.

Can air filters do much to reduce the dust mite problem?

The use of air cleaners or high-efficiency air filters is a secondary measure that can be helpful. But it's not helpful without first proceeding with allergy-proof encasements, without lowering the humidity, or without removing carpeting.

What about vacuuming carpets?

Ordinary vacuum cleaners are designed to remove fairly large particles. Vacuums stir up tremendous levels of small particles of dust, which can aggravate allergies. The best vacuum cleaners have high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters that remove most of the very small particles.

Is there a dust mite season, as with pollen or molds? Are the summer months tougher on people with dust mite allergies because of the higher humidity?
The dust mite season is actually quite erratic. It may be higher in the summer in many climates because of the warmth and higher humidity. But people who are sensitive to dust mites often will have symptoms all year-round. And in the winter time, when people spend more time indoors and keep windows and doors closed, dust mite particles are often still in the house, and they still can be a problem.

Can exposure to dust mites actually cause the sensitivity, or are you just born allergic to dust mites?
The main area of concern is in very young children growing up in environments where there's high dust mite exposure or other types of allergen exposure. There is some evidence that if an infant or a young child grows up where there's a high exposure to sensitizing substances, he or she will be more likely to develop allergy problems, asthma or both.

Machine Washing Removes Most Dust Mites

House dust mites -- the bane of allergy and asthma sufferers -- can be removed from sheets and clothes by washing in a machine with warm or cold water using detergent with or without bleach. Still, up to 40% of the mites will remain and repeat washings are needed to reduce contamination levels further. Dr. Larry G. Arlian and a team at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, added dust mites to clothing and bedding items and then tested the cleaning ability of a residential washing machine using standard temperature settings and detergents. Items were tested in 6- and 8-lb wash loads. The results are reported in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Washing removed 60% to 83% of live mites. There was no evidence that washing with detergent alone or with beach was any better than plain water washing in removing live mites, the authors note. In 6-lb wash loads, polyester blankets retained more mites than other items, whereas in 8-lb loads cotton shirts and polyester blankets retained the most. The type of detergent did make a difference in removing allergy-producing material shed by mites, the scientists say. Washing in warm water with or without detergent removed 84% of allergen, whereas washing with detergent plus bleach removed 98%. The team has a word of caution. In a separate experiment, they found that live mites could be transferred from mite-infested items to mite-free items during washing.

My House is Killing Me! :

The Home Guide for Families with Allergies and Asthma Could Your House Be Making You Ill? This book may show you why and what you can do to make your house healthier. My House is Killing Me! is a real eye opener. This book by Jeffrey C. May of May Indoor Air Investigations LLC, is a must read for anyone who has asthma, allergies or a family member or friend that has sensitivities to allergens. Informative, but not overly technical, this book describes why homes have indoor air quality problems and what you can do to improve indoor air quality.

Praise for My House Is Killing Me!

"Working with Jeff May has completely changed my attitude toward the impact of the indoor world on human illness. His work has allowed us to focus on the true sources of allergic disease the microscopic organisms that the immune system must deal with every second we spend indoors. His advice profoundly benefits families with environmental sensitivity, including those with immunologic conditions beyond allergy and asthma." --William J. Monafo, M.D., American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology ________________________________ "With a sharp increase in the incidence of asthma, respiratory allergies and other respiratory allergy symptoms, the need for clear information regarding environmental triggers is crucial. This guide provides in a very organized fashion sources of not only allergic but also irritant and toxic exposures in the home environment. This text together with the author's extensive experience in evaluating homes for risks provides patients and parents with respiratory problems, an invaluable resource to begin addressing some of their concerns and investigating possible causes for symptoms. Considering much of the misinformation provided in the lay press, it is reassuring to find a resource to which I can direct my patients for practical and reliable information!" --Frank J. Twarog, Associate Clinical Professor, Harvard Medical School __________________________________

"I have had the opportunity to work with Jeff and he is the 'real thing.' He has helped many of my patients. After reading My House is Killing Me!, I am convinced that it is a must read for patients with respiratory problems and the physicians who care for them. His book is also a must read for anyone who owns a home or is about to purchase or renovate one." --Richard S. Irwin, M.D., University of Massachusetts Medical School