PRESENCE OF HOUSE DUST MITES IN MILITARY CAMPS

Within the surroundings of the military hospital of Hamburg investigations were made about infestation with house-dust mites within 13 barracks, sporting-halls and guard-rooms. For this purpose was used the Acarex-Test (a colour test, based upon the mentabolic product of guanine of the mites). The following grades of infestation were defined: none = 0, weak = 1, moderate = 2, high = 3. 284 single examinations were made. In the avarage there was a grade of 1,5; exactly between weak and moderate. There was a higher grade within the beds and mattresses then in the dust sucked from the floors. No correlation was found between the age of the tested buildings and the grade of infestation with house-dust mite: within some elder buildings there was less infestation, in some more then in newer ones. It is suggested that in all cases of supposed allergy/asthma an Acarex-testing should be made. Consequences result in suitability for the military service and cure of the infested places.