Mites from the floor and bedding of hospitals in mainland Okinawa, Japan

Abstract

The study was carried out in central mainland Okinawa to determine the mite densities and fauna in four hospitals. One hundred and twenty-seven dust samples were collected from the floor and bedding in the hospitals in May, August and November 1996, and February 1997. The average number of mites was 30.9/m^2 for the floor and 180.0/m^2 for bedding. There was significant difference in the mite number between the floor and bedding. The genus Dermatophagoides predominated at the rate of 89.6%. In 29 out of 127 samples, Dermatophagoides farinae was more abundant than D. pteronyssinus. Blomia tropicalis was found in low frequency and in small numbers in the hospitals. Five Sarcoptes scabiei were found from a mattress and blanket in a patients room. This species was also found from a mattress and futon in the rest room for hospital staff.