title: House dust mite allergen levels in a Singapore hospital.
abstract: House dust mite allergens constitute one of the most important allergens in house dust. In this study, the levels of two common dust mite allergens, Der p I and Der f I, in a general hospital in Singapore were evaluated. Our results showed that these allergens were detected in 42/74 (or 57%) of the dust samples. Der p I was found to be the predominant allergen detected (p < 0.001). The allergen levels were, however, low with only 1/74 having a Der p I concentration above 2 micrograms g-1 dust. None of the samples had Der f I concentrations above this level. Of the various niches studied (mattresses, pillows, sofas, carpets, blinds and floors), the blinds and floors had the lowest concentration of allergen (p < 0.05). These low levels in the hospital compared to homes were attributed to the vigorous cleaning schedule in the hospital, the use of plastic to encased mattresses and pillows, vinyl covered sofas and vinyl lined floors. These practices may be adopted in the home as a means to reduce mite allergen exposure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Quek
authors.forename: F T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Chew
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: D Y
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Goh
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Y Y
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Gan
mesh_terms: D000389:Air Conditioning; D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D004391:Dust; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology*; D012846:Singapore
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D000941:Antigens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D004391:Dust; D006023:Glycoproteins