Changes in Mite Allergen Levels in Homes using an Acaricide Combined with Cleaning Agents: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Mite-infested furnishings from different houses were treated with an acaricide based on solidified benzyl benzoate combined with cleaning agents. Live mite populations, major mite allergen concentrations and guanine contents of dust collected from these furnishings were compared before and after treatment over a 3-year period. Significant short-term reductions in live mite numbers (95%, p < 0.01) and mite allergen concentrations (50%, p < 0.01) were observed. Mite eradication remained effective following long-term treatment, and allergen reduction reached 75 % at the end of the 3rd year of the study. Measurement of guanine contents showed parallel results. Although these effects varied among the infested sites, long-term mite avoidance can be main tained by repeated treatments (2 per year).