Dynamics of the number of house dust mites and the accumulation of groups 1 and 2 allergens in simple periodic cultures

: Dynamics of the number and biomass of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae and the concentration of major significant mite allergens of groups 1 and 2 were studied in simple periodic cultures. The experiments provided evidence for that there is a positive relationship between the concentration of mite allergens Der p I, Der p II, Der f I, Der f II and the number of mites D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, as evidenced by both correlation coefficients and curves. The same relationship was seen while examining the number of mites and the exposure of mite allergens in house dust. The findings suggest that the concentration of major mite allergens of Groups 1 and 2 in addition to the number/biomass of mites are one of the most important criteria for the maturity of the culture. The cultures of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae mature no later than on day 29 of the onset of cultivation, as shown by the maximum concentrations of Der p I, Der p II, Der f I, Der f II and mite biomass, achieved in this period.