Dust mite information site for people with asthma, rhinitis or eczema.

2006 – Mite allergen activity can also be found in pathogenic micro-organisms

The mite allergen ´chitinase´ is an enzyme that degrades chitin. Chitin, a linear polymer, comes from the outer layer or exoskeleton of all arthropods and from the cell walls of fungi.

Both dead insects and fungi are an important part of the mite’s extensive diet. The enzyme that degrade chitin can also be found as ‘helpful tools’ for pathogenic micro-organisms such as the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Chitinase expressed by this parasite helps it to break out of its mosquito host.*

Similar pages

1. 2006 – Dog dermatitis can be caused by allergens from house dust mites
2. The enzymatic activity of a mite allergen (Der p1)
3. Dogs suffer from mite allergy too
4. What doctors found in house dust mite droppings – a review
5. 2006 – Crystal structure of the major house dust mite allergen, Der f2