Detection and identification of dust mite allergens in the air conditioning filters in Chandigarh, India.

Abstract

Modern lifestyle with the increasing use of air conditioner (AC) has been linked with breathing difficulties, irritation, dryness, and other symptoms. Hence, dust mites were isolated from AC filters, which causes allergic diseases. A total of 95 dust samples were collected from AC filters from hospitals, guest house, office, school, and homes in Chandigarh, India. The highest concentration of dust mites was detected from hospitals (9/g), offices (7/g), households (6/g), guest houses (3/g), and schools (0/g). Based on the morphology of dust mites observed under a light microscope, Dermatophagoides and Acarus species were found most common. Indoor air quality was also monitored to find out their relation with dust mites present in AC filters. Further, the respiratory health status of indoor facility users was also assessed using a standard questionnaire as a study tool. It was seen that 55.3% of male among the total respondents were having an allergy and only 44.7% of the females had an allergy. The allergy among the male respondents (55.3%) was significantly more (p < 0.05) in comparison with female respondents (44.7%). Some of the respondents also reported a family history of rhinitis (31.9%), asthma (12.8%), recurrent urticaria (6.4%), and conjunctivitis (6.4%). Interestingly, 23.4% of study participants reported that they get disturbed by the use of AC and house dust was found to be the most triggering factor in enhancing the symptoms of allergy. Thus, it is recommended that air conditioner filters should be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of the dust mites and related allergens on filter dust.