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Comparative Study
. 2009 Feb;102(2):125-30.
doi: 10.1016/S1081-1206(10)60242-6.

Mouse allergens in urban elementary schools and homes of children with asthma

William J Sheehan  1 , Pitud A Rangsithienchai, Michael L Muilenberg, Christine A Rogers, Jeffrey P Lane, Jalal Ghaemghami, Donald V Rivard, Kanao Otsu, Elaine B Hoffman, Elliot Israel, Diane R Gold, Wanda Phipatanakul
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Mouse allergens in urban elementary schools and homes of children with asthma

William J Sheehan et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2009 Feb.

Abstract

Background: The association between allergens in schools and childhood asthma has not been well studied, particularly in the United States.

Objective: To investigate allergen exposure in schools compared with homes with a specific focus on children with asthma.

Methods: Dust samples were collected from 46 rooms in 4 urban elementary schools (northeastern United States) and from 38 student bedrooms. Samples were analyzed for cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1), cockroach (Bla g 2), dust mites (Der f 1/Der p 1), and mouse urinary protein (MUP). Questionnaires identified students with physician-diagnosed asthma.

Results: Cat and dog allergens were detectable in most school samples (96% and 78%, respectively), but at low levels. Cockroach allergen was detectable in only 11% of school samples. Mouse allergen was detectable in 89% of school samples, with 68% having MUP levels greater than 0.5 microg/g. In contrast, MUP was detectable in only 26% of bedroom samples. Matched classroom and home samples from 23 asthmatic students showed higher geometric mean MUP levels in the classroom vs the home (6.45 microg/g vs 0.44 microg/g, P < .001). However, there were lower geometric mean dust mite (Der f 1) levels in the classroom vs the home (0.04 microg/g vs 0.66 microg/g, P < .001).

Conclusions: There are significantly higher levels of MUP but lower levels of Der f 1 in schools vs homes. It is important to recognize that children with asthma may encounter varying levels of allergens in environments outside the home, such as schools.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Geometric Means of Antigen Levels in All Samples (School vs. Home).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of Levels of MUP Measured in All Samples. Each bar represents the percentage of samples with corresponding MUP levels μg/g (School vs. Home).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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