title: Group 1 and 2 Dermatophagoides house dust mite allergens in the microenvironment of cats.
abstract: House dust mite allergens (HDMAs) are some of the most common allergens associated with allergic diseases in humans and dogs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HDMAs could be detected in cat-associated household microenvironments. From 50 cat-only households with 95 cats, dust samples were collected by vacuuming for 2 min m(-2) from three areas where cats slept or rested regularly from September to October 2006. Relative humidity and temperature were measured in each household using a data logger. Each owner completed a questionnaire on potential factors that might influence the prevalence of house dust mites (HDMs). Dust samples were analysed utilizing an ELISA for Der p 1, Der f 1 and HDM group 2 allergens. In 38 of 50 households there was greater than 2 microg g(-1) of dust for at least one HDMA. Using stepwise logistic regression, factors associated with increased HDMA levels included: free-standing houses, number of humans in household, longhaired cats and age of the cat. Factors associated with decreased HDMA concentrations included: forced air heating and central air conditioning, less than 50% carpeting of the home, use of flea control, cats suffering from dermatological disease and the average temperature of the household. Many sleeping/resting areas utilized by cats contain sufficiently high levels of HDMAs to be potential sources of sensitization. This finding should lead to further determination of the role of HDMs in cats suffering from putative allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis or asthma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 1314, USA. klausloft@gmail.com
authors.forename: Klaus Earl
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Loft
authors.forename: Edmund J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Rosser
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000145:classification*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D002415:Cats; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D040001:Dermatophagoides farinae; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D004777:Environment; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006798:Housing; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D004391:Dust