The aim of this study was to identify the species and prevalence of house dust mites (HDMs) in kindergartens in Bandar Abbas, south of Iran. In this study 10 kindergartens were selected randomly in five areas of Bandar Abbas. Two dust samples were collected from each sampling place with a vacuum cleaner. Mites were isolated and mounted in Hoyer's medium and identified using a morphology-based key. In total, 1758 mites were collected and identified, whichconsisted of five species: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (31.06%), D. evansi (23.49%), D. farinae (17.75%), Ornithonyssus bacoti (19.45%), and Cheyletus malaccensis (8.25%). Two main allergenic dust mite species D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, coinhabited and were collected from all of kindergartens. Results of this study have revealed that D. pteronyssinus is the most prevalent HDMs in Bandar Abbas Kindergartens and all studied areas are contaminated by more than one dust mite Regarding the high prevalence of HDMs in Bandar Abbas kindergartens, implementation of strict control measures is necessary for reduction of mite population and prevention of children respiratory diseases and other allergic disorders in this city.
Keywords: Bandar Abbas; Hose dust mite; Iran; Kindergarten.