D3.29 - China's First Three-Dimensional Indoor Dust Mite Allergen Distribution Map: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dust Mite-Allergic Patients in Guangzhou

Dust mites are the most common indoor allergens. Their allergens, present in mite debris and excretions, are primarily found in household areas such as sofas, carpets, and bedding. These allergens can trigger or exacerbate allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Notably, the sensitization rate to dust mites in allergic rhinitis patients is as high as 90%.

This study involved home visits to 112 allergic patients in the Lingnan region of China to detect and assess indoor dust mite allergen levels. A semi-quantitative dust mite test kit was used to conduct independent tests at multiple points within each household. A risk map of indoor dust mite exposure was created to provide panoramic and visualized warnings for patients.

Dust mites were identified as the most significant indoor allergen in Guangzhou, China. The dust mite exposure risk map consists of two parts: the regional distribution of allergic households and the distribution of dust mites within households. Among the 112 patients, most resided in Tianhe District, Guangzhou. High-risk households accounted for 47 (42%), medium-risk households for 63 (56%), and low-risk households for only 2 (2%). High-risk indoor sites included sofa cushions, pillows, carpets, bedding, plush toys, and vacuum cleaner dust bins.

The indoor dust mite exposure risk map visually identifies the risk levels for different neighborhoods and household items in the area. This study provides objective data to support real-time monitoring and early warnings of indoor dust mite exposure risks in Tianhe District. It also lays the foundation for expanding monitoring to broader regions and diverse settings, such as schools, hotels, and offices. This approach shifts the focus of allergic disease management toward proactive prevention.