Medically Important Mite Species from Households in the Interior of Rio Grande do Sul

Objective: To identify seasonality and the relationship between the presence of medically important mite species and the occurrence of allergic reactions in homes located in rural and urban areas of municipalities within the 16th Regional Health Coordination Office (CRS) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Theoretical Framework: Respiratory and allergic diseases represent a growing public health problem, especially in domestic environments where factors such as humidity, inadequate ventilation, and the presence of dust mites significantly contribute to the sensitization of susceptible individuals. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive-exploratory study with a quantitative approach was conducted in homes located at different altitudes in municipalities within the CRS's coverage area. Results and Discussion: The predominant species was Dermatophagoides farinae, with 193 occurrences, followed by Tyrophagus putrescentiae (14) and Euroglyphus maynei (5). Spring was the season with the highest number of records, especially in urban areas. Regarding the profile of residents, women (72.9%), adults between 19 and 59 years old (65.3%), and individuals with incomes of up to two minimum wages predominated. Among the respondents, 38.8% reported allergic symptoms, with rhinitis being the most frequent (45.8%). The integrated analysis suggests a correlation between the presence of dust mites and allergic clinical manifestations, especially in urban environments with high humidity. Research Implications: The results confirm national and international studies on the prevalence of D. farinae and its association with respiratory diseases, reinforcing the importance of environmental monitoring and health education for allergy prevention. Originality/Value: This study contributes as important research for the local characterization of a known problem, with good practical applicability for the studied region.