Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2009):

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

Full 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.

Author information

Author/s: Wu, Francis Fu-Sheng (FF); Siebers, Robert (R); Chang, Chin-Fu (CF); Hsieh, Shu-Wen (SW); Wu, Mei-Wen (MW); Chen, Chi-Ying (CY); Pierse, Nevil (N); Crane, Julian (J);

Affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua City, Taiwan.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma (J Asthma), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 46 (issue 7) : pp 745-9

Dates: Created 2009/09/03; Completed 2009/09/28;

PMID: 19728217, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/28/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Air Pollution, Indoor - analysis Allergens - analysis Antigens, Dermatophagoides - analysis; immunology Asthma - immunology Bedding and Linens Beds Child Child, Preschool Dust - analysis

Dust - analysis Endotoxins - analysis Environmental Exposure - analysis Female Housing Humans Immunoglobulin E - blood; immunology Male Taiwan beta-Glucans - analysis

Associated Chemicals: Allergens (0) ; Antigens, Dermatophagoides (0) ; Dust (0) ; Endotoxins (0) ; allergen Bla g 1 (0) ; allergen Blo t 5 (0) ; beta-Glucans (0) ; Immunoglobulin E (37341-29-0) ; Dermatophagoides farinae antigen f 1 (EC 3.4.22.-) ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen p 1 (EC 3.4.22.-)

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