Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Particle-bound Bet v 1 Allergen in PM10
Published on: November 19, 2016
House dust mite allergen levels in German day-care centers
Steffen Engelhart1, Thomas Bieber, Martin Exner
1Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, D-53105 Bonn, Germany. steffen.engelhart@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Abstract:
We investigated the levels of the major house dust mite allergens, Der p 1 and Der f 1, in dust collected from various locations in 41 day-care centers from two German cities (Düsseldorf and Bonn). One hundred and thirty-seven (96%) of 143 samples yielded detectable amounts of house dust mite allergen (range, < 15-85,000 ng/g; interquartile range, 210-1,480 ng group I allergen [sum of Der p 1 and Der f 1]/g dust), and 24 (17%) of the samples (8/34 mattresses; 11/46 cushions/soft toys; 5/43 carpeted floors, 0/20 smooth floors) exceeded the proposed "threshold" level of 2,000 ng/g dust in 18 (44%) of 41 day-care centers. Der p 1 and Der f 1 could be detected in nearly an equal number of samples. The highest concentrations of house dust mite allergens were found in dust from mattresses (geometric mean, 1,103 ng/g dust) and cushions/soft toys (geometric mean, 1,004 ng/g dust). The allergen load per unit area from carpeted floors exceeded that from smooth floors by more than two orders of magnitude. In comparison with dust samples from private homes within the same geographical area, the mite allergen levels in mattress dust (RR, 0.34; CI95, 0.18-0.64) and floor dust (RR, 0.21; CI95, 0.09-0.49) from day-care centers were significantly lower (p < 0.001). We conclude that day-care centers should be included as potential places of additional exposure to house dust mite allergens if avoidance measures are taken.
Insights
House dust mite allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1) were prevalent in German day-care centers, with mattresses and soft toys showing the highest concentrations. Allergen levels were lower than in homes, suggesting day-care centers are a potential exposure site.
Area of Science:
- Allergen research
- Environmental health
- Pediatric allergy
Background:
- House dust mites are a common source of indoor allergens.
- Exposure to allergens in early childhood can contribute to the development of allergic diseases.
- Day-care centers represent environments with significant indoor dust accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the levels of major house dust mite allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1) in German day-care centers.
- To compare allergen levels in day-care centers with those found in private homes.
- To assess the potential for exposure to house dust mite allergens in day-care settings.
Main Methods:
- Dust samples were collected from various locations in 41 day-care centers in Düsseldorf and Bonn, Germany.
- Levels of Der p 1 and Der f 1 allergens were measured using immunoassay techniques.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare allergen levels across different locations and with data from private homes.
Main Results:
- House dust mite allergens were detected in 96% of the collected samples.
- The highest allergen concentrations were found in dust from mattresses and soft toys.
- Allergen levels in day-care centers were significantly lower than in private homes in the same region.
Conclusions:
- Day-care centers are significant sites for house dust mite allergen exposure.
- While lower than in homes, allergen levels may still warrant consideration for avoidance measures.
- Day-care centers should be recognized as potential contributors to overall allergen exposure in children.
