PREVALENCE OF HOUSE DUST MITES, CAT, AND DOG ALLERGENS IN HOMES IN ONE NORTHEAST AMERICAN COUNTY

摘要

Aeroallergens in house dust have been implicated in asthma development and severity. Seasonal concentrations of the major allergens including dust mites (Der p I and Der f I), cats (Fel d I), and dogs (Can f I) were measured in eleven dwellings. Der p I, Der f I, Fel d I, and Can f I were found in all the homes during all seasons, even in homes without a cat or dog. Type of floor cover in the living room and bedroom was not related to concentrations of any aeroallergens measured in the sofa or bedding dust. A trend for seasonal variation of dust mite allergens revealed that fall had the highest and spring had the lowest concentrations. High correlation coefficients were observed for cat and dog allergens between sofa and bedding (r>0.8, p<0.0001). The results obtained in this study are of importance for assessing risk factors for high allergen levels in homes and developing mitigation measures to reduce indoor residential exposures in allergic individuals.