House dust mite
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| Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus Trouessart, 1897 |
The house dust mite (sometimes abbreviated by allergists to HDM), is a cosmopolitan guest in human habitation. Mites belong to the order same as spiders, and have existed for longer than insects. See mite and acarina. Dust mites flourish in the controlled environment provided to them by buildings. In nature they are killed by predators and by exposure to direct sun rays. Dust mites are considered to be the most common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide. The enzymes they produce can be smelled most strongly in full vacuum cleaner bags.
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[edit] Size
It is just possible to see a dust mite under a magnifying glass, when the subject is well lit and placed on a black background. A typical house dust mite measures 420 µm in length and 250 to 320 µm in width. Both male and female adult house dust mites are globular in shape, creamy white and have a striated cuticle. A member of the phylum Arthropoda, post-larval stages of house dust mites have eight legs; larval stages have six legs. Dust mites can be transported airborne by the minor air currents generated by normal household activites.
[edit] Life Cycle
The average life cycle for a male dust mite is 20 to 30 days, while a mated female dust mite can live for 10 weeks, laying 60 to 100 eggs in the last 5 weeks of her life. In a 10 week life span, a dust mite will produce approximately 2000 fecal particles and an even larger number of partially digested enzyme-infested dust particles. [1]
Bleach and strong soaps do not kill dust mites. A simple washing will remove most, in the waste water. Temperatures of over 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) for a period of one hour are usually fatal to dust mites; freezing may also be fatal. Dust mites reproduce quickly enough that their effect on human health can be significant.
[edit] Habitat and Food
The dust mite survives in all climates, except at high altitudes where reproduction is halted. A necessary condition for growth (digestion and reproduction) is sufficient absolute humidity. Relative humidity is not a good measure since it varies with temperature. When humidity is less than optimal, dust mites function more slowly, and eventually become dormant. Dust mites thrive in the environment provided by beds, kitchens and homes in general, where the sun's rays do not reach them. Mites remain in mattresses, carpets, furniture and bedding, since they can climb lower down through the fabric to avoid sun, vacuum cleaners, and other hazards, and climb higher up to the surface if necessary to get another skin cell to feed on, when humidity is high. Even in dry climates, dust mites survive and reproduce easily in bedding (especially in pillows) because of the humidity generated by the human body during several hours of breathing and perspiring.
Dust mites consume minute particles of organic matter. Some species of mites prefer to eat skin cells, a large component of household dust; others prefer flour dust. Dust mites have a rudimentary alimentary system (no stomach) and require most digestion to occur outside their body. For this reason they secrete enzymes and deposit the fungus Aspergillus repens on dust particles, to enable the fungus to pre-digest the organic matter with its enzymes. Dust mites eat the same particle several times, only partially digesting it each time. Between feedings dust mites leave particles to decompose further. Ultimately a fully digested particle, which a dust mite will not eat, is deemed by scientists to constitute fecal matter. On average, a person sheds about 1.5 grams of skin cells and flakes every day (approximately 0.3-0.45 kg per year), which is enough to feed roughly a million dust mites under ideal conditions.[verification needed]. Dust mites in bedding derive moisture from human breathing, perspiration, and saliva.
[edit] Asthma
The house dust mite's partially digested food, and fecal matter, is one of the most significant sources of allergens, implicated in allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and dermatitis. One of the more important proteins responsible for the allergic reaction is DerP1, a protease digestive enzyme found in mite feces. Dust mites bodies, made of chitin, are also allergens.
Recommended measures to control exposure to house dust mites:
- Reduce ambient humidity to below 60% (60%RH at 70F, 20C) to inhibit growth, of mites and of Aspergillus
- Under sheets and pillowcases, install mattress cover and pillow cover made of impervious material
- Do not "make bed" upon rising, but instead let mattress and pillow breathe, and dry out, for several hours
- Change sheets, pillowcases, bedspreads regularly. Wash all bedding-related textiles frequently (e.g. fabric-covered headboards, boxspring covers)
- Wash pillows regularly, and replace frequently
- Wipe off dust on floor surfaces daily, and on other surfaces regularly
- Vacuum carpeted areas regularly, with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner
- Beat throw rugs outdoors fequently
- Do not sleep in the lower bed of a bunk bed
Strong measures to control exposure to house dust mites:
- Replace wall to wall carpet with hard-surface flooring
- Place children's plush toys in a freezer for a few hours every day
- Sleep in a hammock instead of on a mattress
These methods reduce the level of exposure to house dust mites and their enzymes. No attempt to eradicate them will succeed. Immunotherapy or "allergy shots" have been helpful for sufferers of hay fever and asthma. Steam cleaners may be effective at reducing enzyme allergens since the heat of the steam breaks down (decomposes) the compound.
[edit] External links
- Dust Mites Allergies Information "The fact is dust mites are not dangerous to anyone, however, if one does experience allergic reactions, they will often experience itching, sneezing, and water eyes or in more severe cases, asthma attacks. Many individuals who have indoor-allergies are actually allergic to the waste from dust mites. If you notice these symptoms, you will want to talk to your doctor or allergist."
- Dust Mite Additional information on the Dust Mite.
- [2] In Italian. Summary of how dust mites cause allergic reactions.bg:Акари в домашен прах
da:Husstøvmide de:Hausstaubmilbe fr:Acarien it:Acaro he:קרדית אבק הבית nl:Huisstofmijt no:Husstøvmidd pl:Roztocze kurzu domowego pt:Ácaro fi:Pölypunkki zh:塵螨
