Effect of indoor house dust mite concentration on canine atopic dermatitis

IntroductionHouse dust mites (HDM) are regarded as essential environmental allergens not only in human, but also in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), however, there are only a few studies on the influence of indoor HDM concentration on the disease. MethodsOur study analyzed the correlation between the indoor HDM concentration, the severity of CAD, and the residential environments in client-owned 35 AD and 13 healthy dogs. We measured the extent of CAD and severity index-04 (CADESI-04), pruritus visual analog scale (PVAS), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indoor relative humidity (RH) and analyzed the residential environment questionnaires to evaluate AD severity. ResultsThe Der f 1 concentration had an inverse association with TEWL, and no association with CADESI-04 and PVAS. The Der f 1 concentration was significantly high in the group living near the green area and 40% or higher RH. DiscussionOur results suggest two possibilities: (1) Living around green areas and maintaining an appropriate indoor climate may help to improve CAD clinical symptoms. (2) The HDM may contain endotoxin and when present in high concentrations in CAD, they play a preventive role by enhancing the skin barrier function. Further studies with a larger number of dogs may help further elucidate an association between CAD and Der f 1.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the correlation between indoor house dust mite (HDM) concentration, canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) severity, and residential environments in 35 CAD dogs and 13 healthy dogs. The results showed that Der f 1 concentration had a negative association with transepidermal water loss (TEWL), but no association with CAD severity index-04 (CADESI-04) and pruritus visual analog scale (PVAS). Der f 1 concentration was significantly higher in the group living near green areas and with indoor relative humidity (RH) ≥40%. The study suggests that living near green areas and maintaining appropriate indoor climate may improve CAD clinical symptoms, and high concentrations of HDM may enhance the skin barrier function.