Abstract
BackgroundExposure to indoor allergens is crucial for IgE sensitization and development of allergic symptoms. Residential settings influence the allergen amount in house dust and hence allergic sensitization. Within this study, we investigated allergen exposure and molecule-based IgE levels in a geographically confined region and evaluated the impact of housing, pets and cleaning.Methods501 adolescents from Salzburg, Austria participated in this cross-sectional study. House dust samples were examined regarding major mite, cat, dog, and mold allergens using a multiplex assay. Serum samples of participants were analyzed for specific IgE to Der p 1, Der p 2, Fel d 1, Can f 1 and Alt a 1 using the multiplex array ImmunoCAP ISAC. Information on allergies, living areas, dwelling form (house, flat, farm), pets, and household cleanliness were obtained by a questionnaire.ResultsIn investigated house dust samples, the concentration of cat allergen was highest while the prevalence of mold allergens was very low. Participants showed IgE sensitization to Der p 1 (13.2%), Der p 2 (18.2%), Fel d 1 (14.4%), Can f 1 (2.4%) and Alt a 1 (2.0%). In alpine regions, lower mite allergen concentrations were detected which correlated with reduced IgE levels. A trend for increased sensitization prevalence from rural to alpine to urban regions was noted. Living on farms resulted in lower sensitization prevalence to mite and cat allergens, even though exposure to mites was significantly elevated. The presence of cats was associated with a lower sensitization rate and IgE levels to cat and mite allergens, and less frequent allergic diseases. Cleaning did not impact allergen concentrations, while IgE reactivity to mites and allergic diseases were more pronounced when living in cleaner homes.ConclusionAllergen exposure to indoor allergens was influenced by setting of homes. Living in a farm environment and having a cat at home showed a protective effect for IgE sensitization and allergies. This cross-sectional study in combination with hereditary and lifestyle factors enables development of risk schemes for a more efficient management and potential prevention of allergic diseases.
Highlights
Exposure to house dust is one of the basic features for the development of allergic symptoms to inhalant indoor allergens [1, 2]
In investigated house dust samples, the concentration of cat allergen was highest while the prevalence of mold allergens was very low
Lower mite allergen concentrations were detected which correlated with reduced IgE levels
Summary
Exposure to house dust is one of the basic features for the development of allergic symptoms to inhalant indoor allergens [1, 2]. The dominant allergens of the most common house dust mite species (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) belong to mite group 1 (Der p 1 and Der f 1) and mite group 2 (Der p 2 and Der f 2) allergens These molecules account for IgE sensitization in more than 80% of mite-allergic subjects and a high level of cross-reactivity between mite species exists [3]. Fel d 1 is the major allergen from cat (Felis domesticus) and more than 80% of the total IgE reactivity to cat allergens is directed against Fel d 1 [5] It accounts for a large proportion of allergens from animal dander in house dust, but large variations in allergen concentrations have been noted in households of different countries [6, 7]. We investigated allergen exposure and moleculebased IgE levels in a geographically confined region and evaluated the impact of housing, pets and cleaning
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