Inverse association between endotoxin exposure and canine atopic dermatitis.
The development of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) may be related to exposure to mite allergens, bacterial endotoxin and/or fungal glucans. In this study, indoor exposure levels of house dust mite allergens, endotoxins and fungal glucans were measured to determine their possible association with CAD. A case-control study including adult Labrador retrievers with (n=28) and without (controls; n=65) CAD was conducted. Dust samples were collected from the living room floor and the bedding and coat of the dog and these were analyzed for house dust mite allergens Der p1 and Der f1, endotoxin and (1→3)-β-d-glucan levels. Dog owners were also required to return a questionnaire regarding their home characteristics. The endotoxin exposure level in the coats of dogs was significantly inversely associated with CAD (odds ratio 0.38; 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.97; P<0.05). No significant difference was found in exposure levels to house dust mite allergens and fungal glucans. The results indicated that endotoxin exposure is inversely associated with CAD, suggesting a protective effect of high indoor endotoxin exposure towards the development of the condition.
Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: F.A.Looringhvanbeeck@uu.nl.
Frank A
FA
Looringh van Beeck
Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Hilde
H
Hoekstra
Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Bert
B
Brunekreef
Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Ton
T
Willemse
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D060829:Arthropod Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D004285:Dogs; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000276:immunology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011509:Proteoglycans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology
D000485:Allergens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; D004731:Endotoxins; D011509:Proteoglycans; D047071:beta-Glucans; C010770:polysaccharide-K; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; C451159:Dermatophagoides farinae antigen f 1; C451162:Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen p 1