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Current indoor allergen levels of fungi and cats, but not house dust mites, influence allergy and asthma in adults with high dust mite exposure

Dharmage, S., Bailey, M., Raven, J., Mitakakis, T., Cheng, A., Guest, D., Rolland, J., Forbes, A., Thien, F., Abramson, M. and Walters, E.H
2001
American Journal Of Respiratory And Critical Care Medicine, 164 (1): 65-71
asthma, allergy, indoor environment, indoor allergens, house dust mites, fungi, ergosterol, cat

Dharmage, S., Bailey, M., Raven, J., Mitakakis, T., Cheng, A., Guest, D., Rolland, J., Forbes, A., Thien, F., Abramson, M. and Walters, E.H, (2001), "Current indoor allergen levels of fungi and cats, but not house dust mites, influence allergy and asthma in adults with high dust mite exposure", American Journal Of Respiratory And Critical Care Medicine, 164 (1): 65-71.
Abstract:

We assessed the influence of current indoor levels of fungi, house dust mite allergen (Der p 1), and cat allergen (Fel d 1) on sensitization and asthma in adults. A total of 485 adults answered a questionnaire and had skin prick tests and lung function tests. Dust and air samples were collected from their bedrooms. The dust was analyzed for Der p 1, Fel d 1, and fungal biomass (ergosterol). Fungal propagules were measured in air samples. Current asthma was defined as having wheezed during the past 12 mo plus bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) to methacholine. High exposure to total airborne fungi was associated with increased BHR, but perhaps paradoxically with a lower risk of being sensitized to fungi. Ergosterol levels in floor dust were a risk factor both for being sensitized to fungi and having wheezed within the last year. High Fel d 1 levels in floor dust were found to increase the risk of being sensitized to cats and in beds to increase the risk of current asthma. Although Der p 1 levels in homes were high, people exposed to high Der p 1 levels in floor dust were less likely to be sensitized to house dust mites or to have wheezed within the past year. Current indoor levels of fungi and Fel d 1, but not Der p 1, influenced sensitization and asthma in adults with high dust mite exposure.

Related Concepts

Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Dharmage, S.
  1. Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia
  2. Residential characteristics predict changes in Der p 1, Fel d 1 and ergosterol but not fungi over time  
Bailey, M.
  1. Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia  
Raven, J.
  1. Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia  
Mitakakis, T.
  1. Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia
  2. Reliability of measures of spores of Alternaria and pollen concentrations in air over two towns in rural Australia  
Cheng, A.
     
Guest, D.
  1. Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia  
Rolland, J.
     
Forbes, A.
  1. Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia
  2. Residential characteristics predict changes in Der p 1, Fel d 1 and ergosterol but not fungi over time  
Thien, F.
  1. Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia  
Abramson, M.
  1. Indoor airborne fungal spores, house dampness and associations with environmental factors and respiratory health in children
  2. Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia  
Walters, E. H.
  1. Prevalence and residential determinants of fungi within homes in Melbourne, Australia  


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