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Changes in mite allergen Der p I in house dust following spraying with a tannic acid/acaricide solution
E R Tovey1, G B Marks, M Matthews
1Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract:
The beds, carpets and furnishings in 15 houses were sprayed with a solution containing tannic acid and an acaricide in an attempt to reduce allergen concentrations. Dust was collected from these sites for 4 weeks following spraying and the mite allergen Der p I concentration was measured and compared with baseline concentrations. In a subgroup of houses, counts of live mites and estimates of aeroallergen were also made. Four untreated houses were monitored over the same period. In dust samples collected 3 days after spraying, the mean concentrations of Der p I in beds, carpets and furniture were 23%, 28% and 26% of the pretreatment levels. All these reductions were significant compared to untreated controls. Samples collected 4 weeks after treatment were not significantly different to baseline for each group. After the initial reduction, the rate of increase in allergen concentration was significantly greater in the spray-only beds than in the beds which had been both sprayed and fitted with occlusive covers. Both aeroallergen and live mites continued to be detected in houses after treatment with the spray. These studies suggest that such sprays are only temporarily effective when applied at the manufacturer's recommended volumes and additional approaches are required to control the bulk of allergens in houses.
Insights
Acaricide sprays temporarily reduced mite allergen Der p I levels in homes. However, allergen concentrations returned to baseline within 4 weeks, indicating sprays alone are insufficient for long-term dust mite allergen control.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Allergy and Immunology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- House dust mites are a major source of indoor allergens.
- Der p I is a primary allergen associated with house dust mites.
- Effective control of indoor allergens is crucial for managing allergic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of tannic acid and acaricide sprays in reducing mite allergen concentrations.
- To assess the duration of the allergen-reducing effect of the spray treatment.
- To compare the effectiveness of spray treatment alone versus combined spray and occlusive covers.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen houses were treated with a tannic acid and acaricide spray.
- Dust samples were collected from beds, carpets, and furnishings before and after spraying (3 days and 4 weeks).
- Mite allergen Der p I concentrations were measured; live mite counts and aeroallergen levels were also assessed in a subset of houses.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in Der p I concentrations was observed 3 days post-treatment (23-28% of baseline).
- Allergen levels returned to baseline concentrations by 4 weeks post-treatment.
- The rate of allergen increase was higher in spray-only beds compared to beds with occlusive covers; live mites and aeroallergens persisted.
Conclusions:
- Acaricide sprays provide only a temporary reduction in dust mite allergens.
- Combined strategies, including physical barriers like occlusive covers, are necessary for sustained allergen control.
- Further research is needed to develop long-term solutions for managing indoor allergens.
