Role of Abiotic Factors on House Dust Mite Population: Control and Allergen Avoidance - A Review Article

Abstract

House dust mites (HDM’s) are an important source of indoor allergens in the house dust and cause various kinds of allergies. They are strongly influenced by abiotic factors such as temperature, relative humidity and seasonal variations. HDM’s are present in houses all over the year but their number varies in different seasons and habitats. The moderate environmental temperature, high relative humidity and adequate food sources are the key factors for their proliferation. The season has a great effect on the mite population. In the rainy season, moderate temperature and high relative humidity are the favorable conditions for the growth of mites, and the population of mites reaches a peak level. Whereas, high temperature and low relative humidity during summer season significantly reduce the mite population level and in the winter season, fall in temperature will drastically reduce the mite number because mites perish due to chilling. Relative humidity of a particular place plays an important role in the growth of mites. By controlling the relative humidity of a particular place, the HDM allergens can be reduced in that place. The prevalence of these mites and their allergen content vary within the locations in the home. Mattresses, carpets, sofas are the main reservoir of HDM’s, as the dust and shed skin scales accumulate in these places and provide abundant nutrition to dust mites. To reduce the allergen content from houses, frequent cleaning and vacuuming of mattresses and pillows, the use of encasement should be advised for allergic subjects.