The association between endotoxin and beta-(1 → 3)-D-glucan in house dust with asthma severity among schoolchildren

Asthma severity can be affected by microbial exposures. However, less is known about the specific indoor agents aggravating the disease in children. We examined the associations between indoor endotoxin and beta-(1 → 3)-D-glucan exposures and asthma severity in children with asthma.

A clinical cross-sectional study of schoolchildren (aged 7-17 years) was conducted in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Children with asthma (n = 116) were identified from 335 participants using a combination of survey responses and objective clinical assessments. We then ascertained asthma severity based on recommended guidelines (continuous daytime asthma symptoms, frequent nighttime asthma symptoms, and ≤ 60% predicted FEV₁). Levels of indoor endotoxin and beta-(1 → 3)-D-glucan were measured in dust samples obtained from play area floors and child's mattresses.

The study population of 116 children with asthma was comprised of 75.9% mild asthma and 24.1% moderate/severe asthma. Higher mattress endotoxin concentration was associated with increased odds of moderate/severe asthma [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 11.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-89.43] while higher beta-(1 → 3)-D-glucan concentration (aOR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.89) and load (aOR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.72) in play areas were inversely associated with moderate/severe asthma. Furthermore, higher mattress endotoxin concentration was associated with lower FVC (p = 0.01) and FEV₁ (p = 0.03). These associations were not seen for beta-(1 → 3)-D-glucan.

Our results showed differential effects of microbial exposures on childhood asthma severity and further highlight domestic endotoxin exposure effects on respiratory health outcomes in children with asthma.