[Detection of mite allergens in the dust of filter-net and air of air-conditioned room]

Zhongguo Ji Sheng Chong Xue Yu Ji Sheng Chong Bing Za Zhi. 2007 Aug;25(4):325-7, 332.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To detect mite allergens in the dust of air conditioner filter-net and floating air in room.

Methods: Samples were collected from rooms of asthma patient and normal families with or without air conditioner. Der p1, Der f1 and Der 2 were determined by two monoclonal antibody-based ELISA.

Results: In asthma patient families, the concentration of airborne Der p1, Der f1 and Der 2 was (0.23 +/- 0.13), (2.62 +/- 1.08), (0.93 +/- 0.41) ng/m3, and (0.56 +/- 0.25), (4.74 +/- 1.22), (2.33 +/- 0.64) ng/m3 respectively before and after the air conditioner switched on, all showing a significant difference (P < 0.05). In families without asthma patient, the concentration of Der p1, Der f1 and Der 2 was (0.33 +/- 0.11), (11.50 +/- 3.08) and (2.10 +/- 0.80) ng/m3, and (0.63 +/- 0.23), (19.80 +/- 4.30) and (3.60 +/- 1.00) ng/m3 respectively before and after the air conditioner switched on, also showing a significant difference (P < 0.05). From the filter-net dust of air conditioner in family with allergic asthma patient, the concentration of Der p1, Der f1 and Der 2 was (0.52 +/- 0.19), (3.34 +/- 0.63), (2.53 +/- 0.65) microg/g dust, while that of normal families was (1.30 +/- 0.35), (5.16 +/- 0.92), (3.47 +/- 1.13) microg/g dust respectively. The concentration of Der f1 and Der 2 at both asthma families and normal families was higher than 2 microg/g, an allergen concentration threshold.

Conclusion: Mite allergens exist in the filter-net dust of air conditioner, which may be an important source of indoor allergens and a cause of the increasing prevalence of allergic asthma.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Conditioning
  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Air Pollutants / isolation & purification
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis*
  • Allergens / analysis*
  • Allergens / isolation & purification
  • Animals
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Bedding and Linens
  • Dust / analysis
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Filtration / instrumentation
  • Housing
  • Humans
  • Mites / immunology*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Allergens
  • Dust