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Zock, J.P.* ; Heinrich, J. ; Jarvis, D.* ; Verlato, G.* ; Norbäck, D.* ; Plana, E.* ; Sunyer, J.* ; Chinn, S.* ; Olivieri, M.* ; Soon, A.* ; Villani, S.* ; Ponzio, M.* ; Dahlman-Höglund, A.* ; Svanes, C.* ; Luczynska, C* ; European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (*)

Distribution and determinants of house dust mite allergens in Europe: The European Community Respiratory health survey II.

J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 118, 682-690 (2006)
DOI
Open Access Green as soon as Postprint is submitted to ZB.
Background: Several studies in European homes have described allergen levels from the house dust mite species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and to a lesser extent Dermatophagoides farinae, but geographic comparisons of exposure levels and risk factors have been hampered by a lack of standardized methods. Objective: To study the distribution and determinants of the major house dust mite allergens Der p 1 and Der f 1 in 10 European countries using a common protocol. Methods: During home visits with 3580 participants of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II from 22 study centers, mattress dust was sampled and analyzed for Der p 1, Der f 1, and Der 2 allergen. Information on housing characteristics was obtained by both observations and interview. Results: Der 1 and Der 2 allergens were detectable (≥0.1 μg/g) in 68% and 53% of the samples, respectively. Large differences in allergen levels between study centers were observed, and geographic patterns for Der p 1 and Der f 1 were different. Low winter temperatures reduced Der p 1 rather than Der f 1. Important risk factors for high allergen levels included an older mattress, a lower floor level of the bedroom, limited ventilation of the bedroom, and dampness for Der p 1 but not for Der f 1. Conclusion: There are large qualitative and quantitative differences of house dust mite allergen levels in Europe, which can partly be explained by geographic and housing characteristics. Clinical implications: Mite allergen exposure may be reduced by replacing the mattress regularly and increasing ventilation of the bedroom, particularly in winter. © 2006 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
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Publication type Article: Journal article
Document type Scientific Article
Corresponding Author
Keywords Allergens ; Ecrhs ; Geographic ; House Dust Mites ; Housing ; Risk Factors
ISSN (print) / ISBN 0091-6749
e-ISSN 1097-6825
Journal The journal of allergy and clinical immunology
Quellenangaben Volume: 118, Issue: 3, Pages: 682-690 Article Number: , Supplement: ,
Publisher Elsevier
Publishing Place Amsterdam [u.a.]
Non-patent literature Publications
Reviewing status Peer reviewed
Institute(s) Institute of Epidemiology (EPI)