Seasonal population dynamics and structure of the Dermatophagoides mites in dust from sleeping accommodations on the territory of Sosnowiec

The typical members of house dust mites are species of the family Pyroglyphidae. The most medically important and most widely distributed species of the family are Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Euroglyphus maynei. The aim of the study was to show the temporal changes in abundance and structure of dust mite populations in dwellings throughout the year. A total of 48 dust samples from beds and other sleeping accommodations from 4 flats located on the territory of Sosnowiec were analysed. The examined flats were dominated by mites of the genus Dermatophagoides. Among them D. farinae was predominant. The highest density of D. farinae per gram of dust was observed in autumn, in time when the most favourable conditions of indoor temperature and relative humidity for these mites were noted. Relatively high numbers of nymphs of D. farinae in the examined sleeping accommodations in autumn are indicative of the development of populations during this period.