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Seasonal changes in mite allergen (Der I and Der II) concentrations in Japanese homes
H Miyazawa1, M Sakaguchi, S Inouye
1Department of Public Health, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan.
Background:
There has been no report on seasonal changes in Der II allergen in floor and bedding dust.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of seasonal changes in Der I and Der II allergens in the floor and bedding dust found in houses.
Methods:
We measured the absolute concentrations of mite allergens in dust collected monthly for 1 year from both the floors and bedding of eight houses in Tokyo. Dust samples were obtained from eight families without regard to their allergy histories. The concentrations of the Der p I, Der f I, and Der II allergens were measured by fluorometric sandwich ELISA.
Results:
We found seasonal changes in the concentrations of these mite allergens. The highest concentrations of Der I (Der p I plus Der f I) and Der II (Der p II plus Der f II) were present from August to October, and the lowest ones from March to April. In floor dust, the mean highest concentrations of Der I and Der II (35.0 and 20.2 microgram of fine dust) were sevenfold and fivefold respectively, times the mean lowest concentrations. In bedding dust, the mean highest concentrations of Der I and Der II (51.3 and 29.6 microgram/g of fine dust) each were fourfold times the mean lowest concentrations.
Conclusions:
The patterns of seasonal changes in Der II in floor and bedding dust were similar to those of Der I.
Insights
Seasonal changes in dust mite allergens were observed, with highest levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der I) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der II) found in late summer and early autumn. Lowest allergen concentrations occurred in spring.
Area of Science:
- Allergen research
- Environmental immunology
- Dust mite biology
Background:
- Limited data exists on seasonal fluctuations of Dermatophagoides (Der) II allergen in household dust.
- Understanding allergen seasonality is crucial for managing allergic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seasonal variations in Der I and Der II allergen levels.
- To analyze allergen concentrations in both floor and bedding dust samples.
Main Methods:
- Monthly dust collection over one year from eight Tokyo households.
- Quantification of Der p I, Der f I, and Der II allergens using fluorometric sandwich ELISA.
Main Results:
- Significant seasonal patterns were identified for both Der I and Der II allergens.
- Peak allergen concentrations occurred from August to October; lowest levels were observed from March to April.
- Floor dust showed sevenfold (Der I) and fivefold (Der II) increases from lowest to highest concentrations.
- Bedding dust exhibited fourfold increases for both Der I and Der II from lowest to highest concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal changes in Der II allergen levels in floor and bedding dust mirrored those of Der I.
- Findings highlight the dynamic nature of indoor allergen exposure throughout the year.