Akm. Munir et al., MITE (DER-P-I, DER-F-I), CAT (FEL-D-I) AND DOG (CAN-F-I) ALLERGENS INDUST FROM SWEDISH DAY-CARE-CENTERS, Clinical and experimental allergy, 25(2), 1995, pp. 119-126
Early exposure to allergens is important for sensitization to inhalant
allergens and it has been reported that there is a causal relationshi
p between allergen exposure and bronchial asthma. We investigated the
levels of major mite (Der pI/Der fI), cat (Fel dI) and dog (Can fI) al
lergen levels in dust collected from various locations in seven daycar
e centres (22 sections). The allergen levels were related to the chara
cteristics of the day-care centres. Children and staff were questioned
about contacts with animals, and cleaning personnel were asked about
methods and frequency of cleaning. Mite allergen was found in nine of
the 22 sections. The concentrations varied between < 16 ng/g and 106 n
g/g dust (median < 16 ng/g). Mite allergen was not detected in any flo
or dust sample. Cat and dog allergen was detected in all centres and s
ections. The concentrations of dog allergen (median 4.3 mu g/g; range
< 60 ng-21 mu g/g) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of c
at allergen (median 1.6 mu g/g; range < 16 ng-22.8 mu g/g). Higher amo
unts of both Fel d I and Can fI were observed on mattresses/sofas/cush
ion like toys and curtains than on tables/chairs and floors. The level
s of cat or dog allergen on floors significantly correlated with the t
otal number of children and staff with either a cat or a dog at home a
nd or frequent contacts with them. Neither cleaning methods nor the fr
equency of cleaning influenced the allergen concentrations. The concen
tration of Fel dI was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in washed than in
never washed curtains. We conclude that Fel dI and Can fI allergens a
re ubiquitous in day-care centres. The allergens are probably carried
there in the clothes of children and staff. Day-care centres should be
considered a cause of exposure to indoor allergens. Curtains, toys an
d upholstery were the most important reservoirs. We suggest that the c
oncentration of allergen in curtains reflects long-term exposure to ai
rborne indoor allergens, since they are mainly exposed to airborne all
ergens.