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Published on: March 7, 2016
Endotoxin and β-(1,3)-glucan levels in automobiles: a pilot study
Francis Fu-Sheng Wu1, Mei-Wen Wu, Chin-Fu Chang
1Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua City, Taiwan.
Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM
|December 29, 2010
Summary
Automobiles contain bacterial endotoxin and fungal β-(1,3)-glucan, potentially triggering respiratory issues. This study found these microbial products in all sampled car dust, indicating vehicles as an indoor exposure source for asthmatics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Microbiology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Indoor exposure to bacterial endotoxin and fungal β-(1,3)-glucan is linked to respiratory symptoms.
- Automobiles are recognized as potential sources of indoor allergens, but endotoxin and β-(1,3)-glucan exposure levels are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether automobiles serve as a significant source of exposure to bacterial endotoxin and fungal β-(1,3)-glucan.
- To quantify endotoxin and β-(1,3)-glucan levels in automobile dust.
Main Methods:
- Dust samples were collected from the passenger seats of 40 automobiles.
- Bacterial endotoxin and fungal β-(1,3)-glucan were quantified using specific Limulus amoebocyte kinetic assays.
Main Results:
- Both endotoxin and β-(1,3)-glucan were detected in all sampled automobile dust.
- Detected endotoxin levels ranged from 19.9-247.0 EU/mg, and β-(1,3)-glucan levels ranged from 1.6-59.8 μg/g.
- Fungal β-(1,3)-glucan levels were approximately two-fold higher in non-smokers' vehicles compared to smokers'.
Conclusions:
- Automobiles represent a potential indoor exposure source for bacterial endotoxin and fungal β-(1,3)-glucan.
- The detected levels of these microbial products in automobiles may be clinically relevant for individuals with asthma.
