[Sensitization to storage mites--studies of the incidence of sensitivity to storage mites in comparison with house dust mites. Experiences in allergologic ambulatory care].

We examined the prevalence of sensitisation to storage mites and house dust mites in patients attending a pneumologist and allergologist in the office and clinical outpatient department. Our findings show sensitisations to storage mites up to 12%, to house dust mites in 26%. From a total of 3213 patients 914 patients (= 28%) showed positive skin reactions against at least one storage mite. There is a relationship of about 2:1 between house dust mites and storage mites in skin test results. From these data, safe conclusions as to the prevalence of storage mite sensitisation among the general population may not be drawn.