title: Indoor allergens and microbial bio-contaminants in homes of asthmatic children in central Taiwan.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua City, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Francis Fu-Sheng
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Siebers
authors.forename: Chin-Fu
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Shu-Wen
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Mei-Wen
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Chi-Ying
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Nevil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pierse
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Crane
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis; D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis*; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology*; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D001513:Beds; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000032:analysis*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D013624:Taiwan; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; D004391:Dust; D004731:Endotoxins; C105482:allergen Bla g 1; C094701:allergen Blo t 5; D047071:beta-Glucans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; C451159:Dermatophagoides farinae antigen f 1; C451162:Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen p 1