Concentrations of domestic mite and pet allergens and endotoxin in Palestine
Date
2004-10-01
Authors
El Sharif N
Douwes J
Hoet PH
Doekes G
Nemery B
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Allergy
Abstract
Background: A few studies have compared indoor allergens and endotoxin levels
between urban and rural settings as important determinants for asthma and
atopy in children. However, no study was done in the Middle East or investigated
refugee camps.
Methods: As part of a nested case–control study in Ramallah in 2001,
we measured house dust mite and pet allergens, as well as endotoxin in dust
collected from 110 children’s mattresses and living room floors.
Results: Geometric mean (GM) concentrations of Dermatophagoides
pteronyssinus (Der p1) antigen were 4.48 lg/g in mattress dust and 1.23 lg/g
floor dust. The highest Der p1 levels were seen in refugee camps. Concentrations
of Dermatophagoides farinae antigen (Der f1) were much lower (<0.08 lg/g
dust). Concentrations of cat allergen (Fel d1) were highest in villages, and those
of dog allergen (Can f1) were highest in mattresses from cities and in floor
dust from refugee camps. GM of endotoxin levels were 25.7 EU/mg in mattress
dust and 49 EU/mg dust in floor dust.
Conclusions: Concentrations of Der p1 were high compared to Western European
countries, but were lower compared to UK and Australia. Levels of pet
allergens were lower than in Western Europe. Endotoxin levels were higher
compared to developed countries. Indoor environmental factors such as
dampness seemed to be important determinants for allergen and endotoxin, but
living habits such as lack of mattress cover appeared unimportant.
Description
Keywords
Citation
El Sharif N, Douwes J, Hoet PH, Doekes G, Nemery B. Concentrations of domestic mite and pet allergens and endotoxin in Palestine. Allergy. 2004 Jun;59(6):623-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00441.x. PMID: 15147447.