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Filamentous fungi and yeasts on mattresses covered with different encasings
F A Pitten1, M Scholler, U Krüger
1Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany. pitten@uni-greifswald.de
Abstract:
Besides mites, filamentous fungi and yeasts play an important role as domestic allergens. Among different allergen avoidance strategies the efficacy of synthetic mattress encasings has been demonstrated for the reduction of house dust mites. Whether these synthetic encasings are also able to reduce the growth of fungi on the mattress under domestic conditions has not been assessed so far. To determine if the fungal growth on mattresses can be reduced by the use of synthetic encasings we assessed the fungal colonisation of mattresses covered either by conventional cotton encasings or by polyurethane encasings impermeable to particles > 3 mum. Within a 12-month period dust samples were obtained from the mattresses. Fungal quantities were measured by counting colonies on agar plates incubated at 20 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The counts of fungi were significantly higher on mattresses with cotton encasings. Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were isolated most frequently. Therefore the application of synthetic encasings with similar properties to the encasings used in this investigation is recommended as part of an allergen avoidance strategy for patients sensitised to fungal allergens.
Insights
Synthetic mattress encasings significantly reduce fungal growth, including common allergens like Penicillium and Aspergillus. This demonstrates their effectiveness in allergen avoidance strategies for fungal sensitivities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Mycology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Domestic allergens include filamentous fungi and yeasts, alongside house dust mites.
- Synthetic mattress encasings are proven effective for reducing house dust mites.
- The impact of synthetic encasings on fungal growth in domestic settings remains unassessed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if synthetic encasings can reduce fungal growth on mattresses.
- To compare fungal colonization on mattresses with cotton versus polyurethane encasings.
Main Methods:
- Mattresses were covered with either conventional cotton or impermeable polyurethane encasings.
- Dust samples were collected from mattresses over a 12-month period.
- Fungal quantities were measured by colony counts on agar plates incubated at 20°C and 37°C.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher fungal counts were observed on mattresses with cotton encasings.
- Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the most frequently isolated fungi.
- Polyurethane encasings demonstrated a reduction in fungal colonization compared to cotton.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic encasings are effective in reducing fungal growth on mattresses.
- Application of synthetic encasings is recommended for allergen avoidance in patients sensitized to fungal allergens.
- Polyurethane encasings show promise as part of a strategy to mitigate exposure to fungal allergens.