The Role of Climate and Residency in Storage Mite Sensitivity among Children with Allergic Diseases in the Mediterranean Region.

Abstract

Introduction: Mite allergy is the most common inhalant allergen sensitivity. In addition to house dust mites, which are indoor allergens, well-known storage mites also exist.

Methods: This study examines the frequency of storage mite sensitivity in children with allergic diseases, the rate of cross-sensitization with other mite species, and the relationship between mite sensitivities and various factors such as the type of region where patients reside and meteorological data from their locations.

Results: A total of 368 children with allergic diseases were included in the study. According to the results of the epidermal prick tests, 224 (60.9%) patients had sensitivity to at least one type of mite, while 171 (46.5%) patients had sensitivity to at least one house dust mite, and 135 (36.7%) had sensitivity to at least one storage mite. Among those with storage mite sensitivity, 82 patients (60.7%) also had sensitivity to house dust mites. In the group of patients living in rural areas, storage mite sensitivity was 57.9%, while in urban centers this rate was 16.8% (p < 0.001). An increase in humidity level was found to increase the likelihood of developing house dust mite sensitivity and storage mite sensitivity (p < 0.05, OR: 2.542, and p < 0.001, OR: 7.792). Additionally, increase in average wind speed was found to increase the likelihood of developing storage mite sensitivity (p < 0.001, OR: 9.582).

Conclusion: Storage mites, an often-overlooked factor in daily practice, are a respiratory allergen that is more common in children than often believed. Susceptibility to storage mites can be affected by the average wind speed and humidity in the region. When assessing the sensitization profiles of allergic children, storage mite sensitization should be considered in addition to house dust mites, and appropriate precautions should be taken.