Children’s residential exposure to selected allergens and microbial indicators: endotoxins and (1→3)-β-D-glucans

Abstract

Objectives: The study was aimed at assessment of exposure to endotoxins, (1→3)-β-D-glucans and mite, cockroach, cat, dog allergens present in settled dust in premises of children as agents which may be significantly correlated with the occurrence of allergic symptoms and diseases in children. Materials and Methods: The study covered 50 homes of one-or two-year-old children in Poland. Samples of settled dust were taken from the floor and the child's bed. The levels of (1→3)-β-D-glucans (floor), endotoxins (floor) and allergens of mite, cat, dog and cockroach (floor and bed) were analyzed. Results: Average geometric concentrations (geometric standard deviation) of endotoxins, (1→3)-β-D-glucans, Der p1, Fel d1, Can f1 and Bla g1 in children homes were on the floor 42 166.0 EU/g (3.2), 20 478.4 ng/g (2.38), 93.9 ng/g (6.58), 119.8 ng/g (13.0), 288.9 ng/g (3.4), 0.72 U/g (4.4) and in their beds (only allergens) 597.8 ng/g (14.2), 54.1 ng/g (4.4), 158.6 ng/g (3.1) 0.6 U/g (2.9), respectively. When the floor was covered with the carpet, higher concentrations of endotoxins, (1→3)-β-D-glucans and allergens (each type) were found in the settled dust (p < 0.05). The trend was opposite in case of allergens (except dog) analyzed from bed dust and significantly higher concentrations were found in the rooms with smooth floor (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Among the analyzed factors only the type of floor significantly modified both the level of biological indicators and allergens. The results of this study could be the base for verifying a hypothesis that carpeting may have a protective role against high levels of cockroach, dog and cat allergens.

Endotoxin clustering with allergens in house dust and asthma outcomes in a U.S. national study

“…These results are comparable to our findings in Cluster 3 where we reported a clustering of endotoxin with Aspergillus, cockroach and mouse allergens [15]. In Europe, a study found endotoxin to be positively correlated with (1 → 3)-β-D-glucans, but not with dust mites, dog, cat, and cockroach allergens [20]. In Germany, Gehring et al reported weak but significant correlations of endotoxin with allergens from mites and cats [21].…”

Cat (Fel d 1) and dog (Can f 1) allergen levels in cars, dwellings and schools

“…According to the literature data, such concentrations are considered as risk levels to atopic or sensitized individuals for acute attacks of asthma (Tranter 2005). The levels of cat allergen ≥1–8 μg/g and dog allergen ≥2–10 μg/g are regarded as risk factors for allergic sensitization of genetically predisposed people (Kozajda et al 2013). In our study moderate levels of Fel d 1 and Can f 1 allergens were found in 35.3 and 11.8 % of cars, respectively.…”

“…As could be expected, the highest concentrations of cat and dog allergens we observed in dust taken from dens of pets. Literature data show that high levels of pet allergens are often found in beds, upholstered furnishing and carpets (Chew et al 1999; Berger et al 2005; Jedrychowski et al 2008; Brunetto et al 2009; Kozajda et al 2013). In our study, the upholstered furniture was the most frequent place of high exposure to cat allergen and the floor to dog allergen.…”

“…The literature data focused on environmental exposure to pet allergens are very limited, in Poland. Up to the moment, studies were carried out only in homes (Jedrychowski et al 2008; Waradzyńska et al 2012; Kozajda et al 2013) and kindergartens (Cyprowski et al 2013). Depending on the presence of pets, three different environments were chosen for our study.…”