Mites in dust samples from mattress surfaces from single beds or cribs in the south Brazilian city of Londrina

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the mite fauna in mattresses dust samples from cribs or beds in the south Brazilian city of Londrina, State of Parana. A total of 133 dust samples from upper and lower mattress surfaces, and bed frames were aspirated once from 38 dwellings (18 cribs and 21 beds), and one day nursery (six cribs). A total of 758 mite bodies were counted in slides: 233 (30.7%) from cribs and 525 (69.3%) from beds (p<0.001). House dust mites--mainly Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, represented 72% and 84% of total mite count in crib and bed dust samples, respectively. The mean HDM body concentration in crib or bed slides were, respectively, 289.9+/-136.7 and 875.0+/-183.6 mites/g. Statistical analysis showed a significantly higher mite bodies count on lower mattress surface compared with upper surface in bed samples only (p=0.025). Data herein show that cribs like mattress have sufficient mite bodies to cause sensitization to humans. The use of mattress covers for cribs and beds should be encouraged in order to avoid allergens exposure.