Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the species of house dust mites and their prevalence in Giresun.
Methods: Dust samples taken from 15 houses which were visited monthly for one year were examined by the lactic acid method.
Results: A total of 2251 mites were detected in the study. The distribution of mites was as follows: 81.8% Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 0.5% Dermatophagoides farinae, 0.04% Euroglypus maynei (E. maynei), 4.2% Dermatophagoides spp. 0.06% A. siro, 2.4% Glycphagus domesticus, 0.9 % Lepidoglyphus destructor, 1.4% Tyrophagus putrescentiae, 4.5% Campunatus arcuatus, 1.3% Cheyletus spp. Pyroglyphid species were detected in all houses (100%). Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was found in 100%, D. farinae 5% and E. maynei 4% of the houses.
Conclusion: The mites in Giresun were found in all houses throughout the year and were detected in all of the samples. Although they were detected in greater amounts in the spring and summer, only a moderate relationship could be detected with temperature. In August-October period, mite existence was significantly higher than the January-March period (p<0,05). D. pteronyssinus was found in higher numbers on the mezzanine floors between May and August and on the ground floors in September and October (p<0,05). We think that the climate characteristics of Giresun are suitable for the development and proliferation of house dust mites and this can pose a risk for sensitive people.
Keywords: D. pteronyssinus; house dust mite; storage mite.