Environmental intervention reduces mouse allergen levels in homes of boston inner-city children with asthma

Abstract

Rationale Recent studies have suggested that mouse allergen exposure and sensitization are common in urban children with asthma. The effectiveness of environmental intervention in reducing mouse allergen exposure has not been established. Our goal was to evaluate whether environmental intervention of mouse extermination and cleaning results in a reduction in mouse allergen levels and whether this intervention has any effect on lung function and asthma morbidity. Methods Eighteen homes of children with positive mouse allergen skin tests and at least mild persistent asthma in urban Boston with evidence of mouse infestation/exposure were randomized in a 2:1 ratio (12 intervention to 6 control homes). The intervention homes received an integrated pest management strategy, which consisted of filling holes with copper mesh, vacuuming and cleaning, and low toxicity pesticides and traps. Dust samples were collected and analyzed for major mouse allergen (Mus m 1) and cockroach allergen (Bla g 1) at baseline and 1, 3, and 5 months after the intervention was started and compared to control homes. Results Mouse allergen levels were significantly decreased compared to control by the end of the intervention period at month 5 in the kitchen and bedroom (kitchen intervention 78.8% reduction: control 319% increase, P=0.025; bedroom intervention 77.3% reduction: control 358% increase, P=0.006; and living room intervention 67.6% reduction: control 32% reduction, P=0.07). There was no significant change in lung function or asthma morbidity from baseline. Conclusions Mouse allergen levels were significantly reduced over a 5 month period using an integrated pest management intervention.