Paper Title
PREVALENCE OF DERMATOPHAGOIDESPTERONYSSINUS (DER P1) AND DERMATOPHAGOIDES FARINA (DER F2) IN NEW AND USED SLEEPING SURFACES

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of Dermatophagoidespteronyssinus (Der p1) and Dermatophagoides farina (Der f2) dust mites in used mattreses and to compare the used mattresses with new mattresses. Procedure: Samples were collected using a high-end vacuum cleaner in combination with commercial dust mite kits A hose connected to the vacuum was fitted with a specialized nozzle and a separate micromesh collection ampoule was fitted into the nozzle prior to assessing each mattress. Every mattress was vacuumed for approximately 20 min. Results: Analysis for dust mite allergens yielded an average dust mite amount 0.874 µg/g for the used mattresses and 0.0008 µg/f for the new mattresses (Table 1). An independents t-test was used to determine the statistical difference in means between the two groups. Results indicated that the used mattresses contained significantly (p<0.001) more dust mites than was present on the new mattresses. Conclusion: In order to reduce negative responses to the allergens produced by dust mites, it would be important to maintain a clean sleeping surface particularly for elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. Recommended include vacuuming the mattress ed on a scheduled basis and systematically cleaned in order to reduce allergic reaction and to use a United States Environmental Protection Agency approved dust mite spray with the active ingredient 0.5% permethrin.