Purpose: To study associations between cat, dog and horse allergens in day care centres and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in serum, lung function (FEV 1 ) and dyspnoea in day care centre staff. Totally 62 subjects, all females, from five Swedish day care centres participated (participation rate 90%). (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1) and horse (Ecu cx) allergens by ELISA. Dyspnoea was measured on an analogue rating scale. FeNO, serum ECP and symptom ratings were log-transformed. Associations were analysed by linear mixed models, adjusting for personal and home environment factors.
Methods: Dust was collected by vacuum cleaning and Petri dish sampling and analysed for cat