Mouse allergens in urban elementary schools and homes of children with asthma.
BACKGROUND
The association between allergens in schools and childhood asthma has not been well studied, particularly in the United States.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate allergen exposure in schools compared with homes with a specific focus on children with asthma.


METHODS
Dust samples were collected from 46 rooms in 4 urban elementary schools (northeastern United States) and from 38 student bedrooms. Samples were analyzed for cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1), cockroach (Bla g 2), dust mites (Der f 1/Der p 1), and mouse urinary protein (MUP). Questionnaires identified students with physician-diagnosed asthma.


RESULTS
Cat and dog allergens were detectable in most school samples (96% and 78%, respectively), but at low levels. Cockroach allergen was detectable in only 11% of school samples. Mouse allergen was detectable in 89% of school samples, with 68% having MUP levels greater than 0.5 microg/g. In contrast, MUP was detectable in only 26% of bedroom samples. Matched classroom and home samples from 23 asthmatic students showed higher geometric mean MUP levels in the classroom vs the home (6.45 microg/g vs 0.44 microg/g, P < .001). However, there were lower geometric mean dust mite (Der f 1) levels in the classroom vs the home (0.04 microg/g vs 0.66 microg/g, P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
There are significantly higher levels of MUP but lower levels of Der f 1 in schools vs homes. It is important to recognize that children with asthma may encounter varying levels of allergens in environments outside the home, such as schools.
Sheehan
William J
WJ
Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Rangsithienchai
Pitud A
PA
Muilenberg
Michael L
ML
Rogers
Christine A
CA
Lane
Jeffrey P
JP
Ghaemghami
Jalal
J
Rivard
Donald V
DV
Otsu
Kanao
K
Hoffman
Elaine B
EB
Israel
Elliot
E
Gold
Diane R
DR
Phipatanakul
Wanda
W
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000032:analysis; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology*; D002415:Cats; D002648:Child; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000276:immunology; D004285:Dogs; D004391:Dust; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D012574:Schools / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States
D000485:Allergens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D004391:Dust; D011506:Proteins; C035737:major urinary proteins