INDOOR ALLERGENS AND DWELLING CHARACTERISTICS IN 2 CITIES IN SPAIN

Background: Indoor allergens are common causes of sensitization and as thma. Climatic and home conditions can modify their levels. Objective: We studied the influence of climatic conditions and home characterist ics on the exposure to indoor allergens of mite allergic asthmatic sub jects in two Spanish cities with different climates (Las Palmas and Pa mplona). Methods: We included 65 subjects diagnosed with asthma caused by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. A questionnaire about their dwelli ngs was completed. Home dust samples were collected. Mite (Der p1, Der f1, Der 2) and cat (Fel d1) allergens were measured by a monoclonal-a ntibodies based ELISA. Results: Characteristics of dwellings were simi lar in both areas. Der pi was the main allergen (0-44 mu g/g). Der pi, Der ii and Der 2 levels were higher in the homes in Las Palmas (p < 0 .001, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Damp homes in Pamplona ha d higher Der p1 levels, similar to those detected in homes in Las Palm as. Fel dl levels (0-78.90 mu g/g) were only related to the presence o f cats in the dwelling (p < 0.001). Conclusions: D. pteronyssinus alle rgen exposure was influenced by climatic conditions and dampness in ho mes in temperate regions, Humidity in homes can generate an ideal envi ronment for mite growth despite unfavorable outdoor climatic condition s. Fel dl levels were only related to the presence of a cat in the hou se.