Timeline of Dust Mite Discoveries
Doctors and scientists have known about the dangers of house dust mites for quite some time, but this information does not always reach the public. This timeline highlights the crucial research that shapes our understanding of allergy and asthma today.
Confirmation of the mite as a major allergy source
As early as 1694, scientists were observing mites in house dust. By 1923 doctors knew that they were involved in causing occupational asthma. However, it wasn't until 1967 that confirmation came that they were a major source of allergens in house dust. Five years were to pass before doctors identified the droppings, not the mite, as the cause of allergy problems.
Immunotherapy investigated
An early allergy treatment using a series of injections designed to stimulate the body's immune system against mite allergy is explored by scientists.
Mite recognized as major trigger for childhood asthma
Doctors working with children diagnosed with allergic asthma recognize that house dust mites are a major contributor to the disease. The doctors try to lessen the children's symptoms by using a series of injections (immunotherapy).
Avoidance improves health
Doctors found that by reducing house dust mites in patient's bedrooms, health improvements can be noted.
WHO Statement
Thirty-five doctors, supported by the World Health Organization, describe the house dust mite as a major cause of allergic disease worldwide.
DNA Analysis identifies Der p1
The major house dust mite allergen is identified as an active enzyme with properties similar to papain (a meat tenderizer).
Link to Genetics and Lung Defense
UK scientists identify a link between mite exposure, asthma and a specific gene (chromosome 11q). In the same year, scientists warn that active mite enzymes (allergens) may breach lung defenses by dissolving delicate tissue.
Further avoidance studies
A clinical study reports that symptoms of mite related childhood asthma are improved by active allergen avoidance. Nine opinion leaders in asthma support allergen avoidance in disease management.
BTS Guidelines do not support avoidance
The revised British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guidelines for the Management of Asthma did not specifically support mite avoidance but called for new or improved drugs to control symptoms.
Cell damage evidence
A team of UK doctors first describe evidence of cell damage caused by mite enzymes. Damage which increases immune reactions in allergy.
Four enzymes identified
Scientists describe how four house dust mite enzymes (working together or separately) can cause and trigger allergic reactions, potentially breaching lung defenses.
Dose-dependent sensitization
A dose-response relationship between house dust mite allergen exposure and specific sensitization in infants and children is confirmed. In the UK alone, 85% of asthmatic children are allergic to house dust mites.
Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study
Researchers successfully reduced indoor mite colonies to achieve and maintain very low allergen levels using measures like removing carpets, encasing bedding, and using high-filtration vacuums.
Der p 1 downgrades lung defenses
Top UK scientists describe how an aggressive allergen found in mite droppings (Der p 1) can reduce the efficiency of lung defenses, potentially explaining why asthmatics suffer more lung infections.
Allergy costs the UK £1 billion
Reports from Asthma UK and The Royal College of Physicians state that allergy has reached epidemic proportions. Doctors report: 'House dust mites are a potent cause of allergy. Once allergy is established it is important to reduce exposure'.
Radioactive tracking of allergens
Little is known of the fate of inhaled allergens once they enter the body. By tagging the allergen with a radioactive marker, progress was monitored in laboratory mice. The lungs of sensitized mice retained the allergen twice as long as healthy mice.
Woven vs Non-woven materials
Tests showed that woven materials designed for allergen avoidance are more effective than non-woven fabrics, which can accumulate allergens on their rough surfaces.
ADAM33 and Neutrophils
Research into the ADAM33 gene and the role of neutrophil elastase suggests that mite allergen Der p 1 can interfere with natural controls, amplifying harm in lung disorders like COPD.
'Dust Mites' Book Published
Dr. Matthew Colloff publishes a major 583-page book focusing on factors affecting global distribution, abundance, and allergenicity of mites.
Discovery of Nuocytes
A newly discovered cell, the nuocyte, is a key early source of interleukin 13 (IL-13) in response to triggers like dust mites. Nuocytes represent a previously missing link in the asthma pathway.
Mite Panic Pheromone
Research demonstrates that house dust mites give off a pheromone (neryl formate) that causes the colony to 'clump' together in defense.
Food resources and feeding guilds
An important open-access fully referenced article describes the food resources and feeding guilds of mites in human habitats, furthering our understanding of their ecology.