Glycyphagus domesticus
Summary
Glycyphagus domesticus is one of the Glycyphagidae family of storage mites, known commonly as the ‘house’ mite. Traditionally associated with occupational exposure in rural workers, storage mites have been more recently linked with non-occupational sensitization in urban environments, causing rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. G. domesticus is a common species of mite contaminating food and is found in stored food dwellings with higher relative humidity and temperature. Importantly, G. domesticus is also found in house dust, such as mattress dust, where house dust mites (HDM) are characteristically found. Allergenic cross-reactivity between storage mites and HDMs is well documented.
Epidemiology
Worldwide distribution
In regions where G. domesticus is endemic, such as Northern Spain, a high prevalence of sensitization exists; in a study of 138 patients with rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma, 89.5% were sensitized to G. domesticus. Furthermore, a significant correlation (p<0.05) was found between sensitization of the four mite species studied (D. pteronyssinus, G. domesticus, T. putrescentiae and L. destructor).
IgE-mediated allergy in agricultural workers is of considerable importance. In a study of farmers on the Swedish island of Gotland, the prevalence of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity symptoms to one of four storage mite species (Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus putrescentiae and G. domesticus) was 37.8%.
Risk factors
Sensitization to storage mites is an occupational hazard for farm workers and bakers. However, approximately 25% of patients sensitized to storage mites have no relationship with farms or bakeries.
Route Of Exposure
Main
Inhalation.
Clinical Relevance
Mites are the sources of potent allergens that sensitize and induce IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Sensitization to G. domesticus causes rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma.
In a prospective study of 200 patients assessed for rhinitis and/or asthma in an outpatient setting, 123 (61.5%) had sensitization to at least one storage mite; 48.8% of patients were sensitized to G. domesticus. Patients with storage mite sensitization had the following disease characteristics: rhinitis (96.7%), asthma (46.3%), rhinitis and asthma (43.1%), conjunctivitis (25.2%) and atopic dermatitis (9.8%).
Cross-Reactivity
Glycyphagus species and Lepidoglyphus species have high cross reactivity. Group 2 allergens from Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus putrescentiae and G. domesticus demonstrate extensive cross-reactivity.
References
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