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The present studies were initiated in order to clarify these points and perhaps permit a re-evaluation of the role of mites in human allergy. Numerous studies have been devoted to the possible relationship between the skin-active components in extracts of cultures of mites of the family Pyroglyphidae on the one hand, and of house dust on the other. The problem of major contamination by antigens or allergens from the culture medium was raised at an early stage, especially in relation to mites grown on dried human dandruff and yeast powder.

A 27-year-old female office clerk with widespread atopic dermatitis (AD) since infancy appeared to be highly sensitized and exposed to molds, storage mites, and chicken feathers and moderately sensitized to house-dust mites and grass and birch pollens. Hardly any textiles were present in her home; that is, only 28 m², which is less than 25% of the Dutch national average. The causal relationship between eczema and molds plus storage mites in this case of AD was strengthened by the positive effect of an unusual, multidisciplinary home-sanitation program involving cleaning of mineral surfaces and ventilation improvement. This home-sanitation program led to a gradual drop of total IgE and clinical symptom scores to 21% and 13%, respectively, of the original values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the mechanisms, the environmental changes and patient compliance with regard to conventional and new dust and mite avoidance measures to prevent allergic symptoms caused by mite allergens, taking into account both allergen contamination and the developmental success of pyroglyphid Acari. Twenty patients with persisting rhinitic complaints were selected and matched. Although the patients had performed some conventional dust and mite avoidance measures (patient compliance was 90%). the dwellings proved to be a stimulus for mite development. Moisture problems due to faulty construction and excessive moisture production were common. Since humidity conditions could not be changed at short notice, the 20 homes were subjected to the new variants of mite allergen avoidance based on intensive cleaning without (control) and with an acaricide incorporated (acaricidal cleaner [Acarosan]). After the carrying out of conventional avoidance measures, these patients still had allergic symptoms, and dust from only 23 to 52% of their textile objects was under the proposed guanine (mite faeces indicator) risk level. Only the acaricidal cleaner was able to decrease the allergenic mite load (and the burden of the patients) significantly in this 12 month period. With respect to mite-extermination, acaricidal cleaning was 88% better than intensive cleaning. Reduction of guanine was .18% better in the Acarosan treatment group. Clinical results have been reported elsewhere, A significant difference in favour of the acaricidal cleaning was seen in both subjective (as regards symptoms) and in objective data (total IgE). Another 50 patients were questioned. About 90% were willing to spend two weekends (70%). or at the most one weekend (20%) per year sanitizing the dwelling by cleaning it with the whole family. The authors of this report consider acaricidal cleaning to he a significant improvement in the management of mite-allergic diseases, such as rhinitis. Compared with the replacement of home textiles, this treatment is less expensive and more effective, Patient compliance is acceptable, but depends on acceptance by physicians and the initial motivation and consequent burden on the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the management of house dust mite allergens utilizing the drug Acarosan. Strategies involved in Acarosan treatment; Capability of benzyl benzoate to kill mites directly; Effectiveness of two treatments a year in reducing the number of live mites as the potential mite-allergen source.

Presents a letter to the editor which reports on health risk due to house dust mite.