Dust mite infestation of flour samples.

BACKGROUND

Ingestion of flour contaminated with dust mite may trigger severe anaphylaxis in tropical and sub-tropical regions.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate environmental factors that affect dust mite propagation in the tropics.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

Dust mites were introduced to a variety of flour samples and incubated at two different environmental conditions.

RESULTS

It was found that dust mites populations flourished best in wheat flour compared to other varieties of flour, and at ambient temperatures with high humidity instead of the air conditioned environment.

CONCLUSION

Dust mite infestation of flour is dependent on the presence of wheat and high ambient temperature in the tropics.