PENGARUH SUHU DAN KELEMBABAN UDARA TERHADAP KEBERADAAN TUNGAU DEBU RUMAH DI PAMULANG DAN JAKARTA

House dust mite (HDMs) may be found in urban dwelling and the existence of HDMs is influenced by temperature and relative humidity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the temperature and relative humidity effect the existence of HDM in Pamulang and Jakarta. There were 52 house dust samples from Pamulang and 44 from Jakarta examined by direct method using microscope to detect HDM in the dust samples. The temperature and relative humidity in the house were examined by thermohygrometer. The collecting of the samples was conducted 3 times with 2 weeks interval time. The species of HDM found were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D.farinae, and Glyciphagus destructor. Statistically, the existence of HDM in 30-35oC was not significant different from that in < 30oC in both Pamulang and Jakarta (p<0.05). In contrast, the existence of HDM in relative humidity, 60-70%, was significant different from that in <60% in both Pamulang and Jakarta (p<0.05), especially in third sample collecting. It can be concluded that the existence of HDM was influenced by relative humidity, but not temperature in urban dwelling.