A new strategy in the control of house dust mite allergy.

Elimination of house dust mites by chemical means has so far been disappointing. Based on recent knowledge that house dust mites depend on fungi for their growth, a fungicide, natamycin was sprayed on the mattresses of patients at regular intervals. Forty patients with residual symptoms of allergy to house dust mites under optimal treatment, including house dust-free measures, were selected for the study. Among the 28 patients who completed the study, 15 were improved, 9 remained the same and 4 were worse. These data strongly suggest a beneficial effect of natamycin on the symptoms of allergy to house dust mite. They warrant further investigation with control groups and assessment of the mite population of the bedding.