DUST-MITE-ALLERGEN CONCENTRATIONS IN ASTHMATICS BEDROOMS IN THE QUAD CITIES (ILLINOIS, USA) AFTER THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER FLOODS OF 1993

This study aimed to measure allergens from Dermatophagoides farinae an d D. pteronyssinus and to examine possible relationships of these mite allergens with flooding and other housing factors. A total of 313 dus t samples were collected from the bedrooms of 57 asthmatics in 45 home s in the Quad Cities (Illinois, USA) and analyzed by ELISA for the pre sence of the D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus allergens. Twenty of thes e homes had some flooding in the last 12 months due to the Mississippi River floods of 1993 and/or other factors. The log-transformed least- squares means of allergens collected were 28 ng/m(2) for the D. farina e allergen and 26 ng/m(2) for the D. pteronyssinus allergen. D. farina e allergen levels were significantly higher in homes located in the va lley, in homes during the summer months, in homes with furred or feath ered pets, in homes which had not been flooded in the last year, and i n homes where rugs had been steam-cleaned in the last 12 months. D. pt eronyssinus allergen levels were significantly higher in homes located in the valley, in homes during April and July-September, in homes wit h furred or feathered pets, and in homes with no dehumidifier.