QUANTITATION OF MAJOR ALLERGENS IN DUST SAMPLES FROM URBAN POPULATIONS COLLECTED IN DIFFERENT SEASONS IN 2 CLIMATIC AREAS OF THE BASQUE REGION (SPAIN)

We present the results of allergen content evaluation in 80 dust sampl es from 31 homes of atopic patients from two climatic areas (humid and subhumid), collected in two seasons of the year (autumn and winter). Monoclonal antibody-based immunoassays were used to quantify Der p 1, Der f 1, Der 2, Lep d 1, and Fel d 1. The results were compared accord ing to climate, season, and the type of sensitization (Pyroglyphidae m ites, storage mites, or grass pollens). We underline the predominance of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (89% of samples) over D. farinae (16 % of samples) in our environment. Der p 1 rates were higher in the hum id area (Mann-Whitney P < 0.001), especially in the autumn (Wilcoxon P < 0.05). Lep d 1 was detected in 23% of samples and Lep d 1 levels we re higher in the homes of patients sensitized to storage mites (Mann-W hitney P < 0.05), whereas this allergen was not detected in the homes of pollen-allergic patients. Fel d 1 was detected in nine of the 31 ho mes (16% of samples) although there was a cat in only one home.