CAT (FEL-D-I), DOG (CAN-F-I), AND COCKROACH ALLERGENS IN HOMES OF ASTHMATIC-CHILDREN FROM 3 CLIMATIC ZONES IN SWEDEN

We have investigated the levels of cat (Fel d I), dog (Can f I), and c ockroach (Per a I) allergens in dust from bedrooms, living rooms, kitc hens, and bathrooms from 123 homes of asthmatic children in three zone s of Sweden with varying climates. Absolute indoor humidity (AIH), rel ative humidity (RH), rate of ventilation in air changes per hour (ach) , and number of airborne particles were also measured. Fel d I, Can f I, and Per a I allergen contents were determined by mab ELISA, and the levels were related to various environmental factors. The major cat a llergen, Fel d I, was detected in all homes, and the concentrations va ried between 16 ng and 28 000 ng/g fine dust. The dog allergen, Can f I, was detected in 85% of the homes, and the levels varied from 60 ng to 866 000 ng/g dust. Cockroach allergen was detected in only one home (40 ng/g). Fel d I and Can f I allergens were equally distributed geo graphically. Dust from living rooms contained significantly higher (P< 0.05) concentrations of both Fel d I and Call f I allergens than dust from bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. The levels tended to be higher in homes with poor ventilation (<0.5 ach) and in homes with wall-to-w all carpets. significantly higher (P<0.01) numbers of airborne particl es were found in homes with high humidity (i.e., AIH greater than or e qual to 7 g/kg or RH greater than or equal to 45%). We conclude that p et allergens are ubiquitous in different climatic regions, being found in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Current or previo us presence of a cat or dog, I University Hospital high indoor humidit y, presence of wall-to-wall carpets, and poor ventilation all increase the risk for high allergen exposure. In contrast, cockroach allergens are rarely found in a temperate climate.