Role of Fungi in the Survival of Dermatophagoides (Acarina: Pyroglyphidae) in House-Dust Environment1

Abstract

Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes did not survive or reproduce on any of the 45 species of fungi isolated from stored grain, house dust, or human skin scales. Fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium were Isolated from the gut of laboratory bred D. pteronyssinus Trouessart. Rearing experiments showed that the culturing of Aspergillus amstelodami (A. glallcus group) on mite food medium defatted human dander and yeast greatly enhanced the development and reproduction of D. pteronysslnus. probably by digesting fatty substances from the human dander and the presence of vitamins in the yeast. It is suggested that in house dust certmn fungi play an Important role In the food chain by predigesting human dander. Members of the A. glaucus group could be easily involved because of their high drought resistance and their ability to break down fatty substances in their food medium.