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Current Indoor Allergen Levels of Fungi and Cats, But Not House Dust Mites, Influence Allergy and Asthma in Adults With High Dust Mite Exposure
Citation
Dharmage, S and Bailey, M and Raven, J and Mitakakis, T and Cheng, A and Guest, D and Rolland, J and Forbes, A and Thien, F and Abramson, M and Walters, EH, Current Indoor Allergen Levels of Fungi and Cats, But Not House Dust Mites, Influence Allergy and Asthma in Adults With High Dust Mite Exposure, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 164, (1) pp. 65-71. ISSN 1073-449X (2001) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1164/ajrccm.164.1.9911066
Abstract
We assessed the influence of current indoor levels of fungi, house dust mite allergen (Der p 1), and cat allergen (Fel d 1) on sensitization and asthma in adults. A total of 485 adults answered a questionnaire and had skin prick tests and lung function tests. Dust and air samples were collected from their bedrooms. The dust was analyzed for Der p 1, Fel d 1, and fungal biomass (ergosterol). Fungal propagules were measured in air samples. Current asthma was defined as having wheezed during the past 12 mo plus bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) to methacholine. High exposure to total airborne fungi was associated with increased BHR, but perhaps paradoxically with a lower risk of being sensitized to fungi. Ergosterol levels in floor dust were a risk factor both for being sensitized to fungi and having wheezed within the last year. High Fei d 1 levels in floor dust were found to increase the risk of being sensitized to cats and in beds to increase the risk of current asthma. Although Der p 1 levels in homes were high, people exposed to high Der p 1 levels in floor dust were less likely to be sensitized to house dust mites or to have wheezed within the past year. Current indoor levels of fungi and Fel d 1, but not Der p 1, influenced sensitization and asthma in adults with high dust mite exposure.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Research Division: | Biomedical and Clinical Sciences |
Research Group: | Cardiovascular medicine and haematology |
Research Field: | Respiratory diseases |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Clinical health |
Objective Field: | Clinical health not elsewhere classified |
UTAS Author: | Walters, EH (Professor Haydn Walters) |
ID Code: | 21837 |
Year Published: | 2001 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 63 |
Deposited By: | Medicine |
Deposited On: | 2001-08-01 |
Last Modified: | 2002-07-04 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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