CAT (FEL-D-I), DOG (CAN-F-I), AND COCKROACH ALLERGENS IN HOMES OF ASTHMATIC-CHILDREN FROM 3 CLIMATIC ZONES IN SWEDEN

We have investigated the levels of cat (Fel d I), dog (Can f I), and cockroach (Per a I) allergens in dust from bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms from 123 homes of asthmatic children in three zones of Sweden with varying climates. Absolute indoor humidity (AIH), relative humidity (RH), rate of ventilation in air changes per hour (ach), and number of airborne particles were also measured. Fel d I, Can f I, and Per a I allergen contents were determined by mab ELISA, and the levels were related to various environmental factors. The major cat allergen, Fel d I, was detected in all homes, and the concentrations varied between 16 ng and 28 000 ng/g fine dust. The dog allergen, Can f I, was detected in 85% of the homes, and the levels varied from 60 ng to 866 000 ng/g dust. Cockroach allergen was detected in only one home (40 ng/g). Fel d I and Can f I allergens were equally distributed geographically. Dust from living rooms contained significantly higher (P<0.05) concentrations of both Fel d I and Call f I allergens than dust from bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. The levels tended to be higher in homes with poor ventilation (<0.5 ach) and in homes with wall-to-wall carpets. significantly higher (P<0.01) numbers of airborne particles were found in homes with high humidity (i.e., AIH greater than or equal to 7 g/kg or RH greater than or equal to 45%). We conclude that pet allergens are ubiquitous in different climatic regions, being found in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Current or previous presence of a cat or dog, I University Hospital high indoor humidity, presence of wall-to-wall carpets, and poor ventilation all increase the risk for high allergen exposure. In contrast, cockroach allergens are rarely found in a temperate climate.