title: A new strategy in the control of house dust mite allergy.
abstract: Elimination of house dust mites by chemical means has so far been disappointing. Based on recent knowledge that house dust mites depend on fungi for their growth, a fungicide, natamycin was sprayed on the mattresses of patients at regular intervals. Forty patients with residual symptoms of allergy to house dust mites under optimal treatment, including house dust-free measures, were selected for the study. Among the 28 patients who completed the study, 15 were improved, 9 remained the same and 4 were worse. These data strongly suggest a beneficial effect of natamycin on the symptoms of allergy to house dust mite. They warrant further investigation with control groups and assessment of the mite population of the bedding.
mesh_terms: D001512:Bedding and Linens; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology*; D010866:Natamycin
chemical_list: D010866:Natamycin