Indoor allergens and microbial bio-contaminants in homes of asthmatic children in central Taiwan

J Asthma. 2009 Sep;46(7):745-9. doi: 10.1080/02770900903082597.

Abstract

Indoor allergens and microbial bio-contaminants play a significant role in asthma symptoms. The aim of the study was to determine levels of house dust mite allergens, bacterial endotoxin, and fungal beta-glucan in homes of 120 asthmatic children in central Taiwan. Dust samples from 120 mattresses (67 double-sided) were analyzed for house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, and Blo t 5), endotoxin, and beta-glucan. Pillows (n = 118) were analyzed for house dust mite allergens only. Kitchen dust samples were analyzed for the cockroach allergen, Bla g 1. Blo t 5 was detected in 9.3% pillows and 82.2% mattresses, Der p 1 in 95.8% pillows and 93.2% mattresses, and Der f 1 in 82.2% pillows and 83.1% mattresses. Geometric mean levels (95% confidence interval) of endotoxin and beta-glucan in mattresses were 108.4 Eu/mg (81.4-144.2) and 25.2 microg/g (22.7-28.0), respectively. House dust mite allergens and endotoxin levels were significantly lower on the bamboo side of 67 mattresses, compared to the inner sprung mattress side. Geometric mean of kitchen Bla g 1 was 0.61 U/g (95% CI: 0.43-0.85). Given the presence of Der p 1, Der f 1 and Blo t 5 in central Taiwan, it is advised to measure allergens of all three house dust mite species to obtain a true index of allergen exposure. Bamboo sides of mattresses had significantly lower house dust mite allergens and endotoxin levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis
  • Allergens / analysis*
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides / analysis
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides / immunology
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Arthropod Proteins
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Bedding and Linens
  • Beds
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • Dust / analysis*
  • Endotoxins / analysis*
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis
  • Female
  • Housing*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Male
  • Taiwan
  • beta-Glucans / analysis*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Arthropod Proteins
  • Dust
  • Endotoxins
  • allergen Bla g 1
  • allergen Blo t 5
  • beta-Glucans
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • Dermatophagoides farinae antigen f 1
  • Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen p 1