ENDOTOXIN EXPOSURE AND SYMPTOMS IN ASTHMATIC-CHILDREN

Endotoxins (ET) are pro-inflammatory substances present in house dust which may increase non-specific bronchial reactivity in asthmatic pati ents. Endotoxins (EU/g) and Der p 1 levels were compared in the homes of ten asthmatic and ten control children, aged 6-16 years, living in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The houses were visited once a month from February 1993 to February 1994 and dust samples were collected from the bedding and floor of each subject's house. No significant differences were ob served in ET and Der p 1 levels in the homes of asthmatics and control s. The highest ET levels were detected in January and November, wherea s the lowest levels were detected in April and August (p < 0.05), demo nstrating a distinct seasonal distribution. The highest Der p 1 levels in bedding were observed in July and the lowest in February (p < 0.05 ), while Der p 1 levels in floor did not show significant differences throughout the year. Symptom and medication scores were evaluated mont hly in the group of asthmatic children. There was a significant correl ation (p < 0.05, r = 0.63) between clinical symptom scores and ET expo sure, however no significant correlation was found for mite exposure ( p > 0.05, r = 0.19). The results suggest that ET exposure exacerbates asthmatic symptoms in mite allergic, asthmatic children.