title: House dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and its allergens: effects of washing.
abstract: The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect washing at various temperatures would have on the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and its allergens. Young and old mite cultures underwent a simulated washing programme. To record the number of live mites prior to and after washing a new counting method was applied. The findings demonstrated that although washing reduced the number of live mites, a washing programme at minimum temperature 58 degrees C was required in order to achieve complete extermination of the house dust mites. A distinct protein loss was observed when washing at higher temperature, thus further reducing the total allergen pool without loss of allergen activity as determined by direct RAST.
authors: Institute of Biology and Chemistry, Roskilde University, Denmark.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Andersen
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Roesen
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006796:Household Work / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology*; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust