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Infant respiratory symptoms in relation to mite allergen exposure
R T van Strien1, A P Verhoeff, J H van Wijnen
1Dept. of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Insights
House dust mite allergen, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) I, exposure in infants is linked to respiratory symptoms. Higher Der p I levels in homes correlate with increased wheezing and coughing in the first year of life.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Allergy
- Immunology
Background:
- House dust mites are a common allergen.
- Early life exposure to allergens may influence respiratory health.
- Infant respiratory symptoms can be indicative of future conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) I levels in house dust and respiratory symptoms in infants.
- To identify potential risk factors for infant respiratory issues related to mite exposure.
Main Methods:
- Study included 104 infants (3-15 months) categorized as high-risk or low-risk based on parental allergy history.
- Dust samples were collected from infant mattresses and homes.
- Der p I content was measured, and infant respiratory symptoms (wheeze, prolonged cough) were recorded via parental questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of mattresses had Der p I levels exceeding 2,000 ng/g, a threshold linked to sensitization risk.
- A positive correlation was observed between Der p I concentration in dust and the occurrence of infant respiratory symptoms.
- Symptoms suggestive of airway obstruction were noted in infants with higher mite allergen exposure.
Conclusions:
- Early-life exposure to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) I allergen may contribute to respiratory symptoms in infants.
- Mite allergen levels in the home environment are a significant factor in infant respiratory health.
- Further research with objective symptom measurement is warranted to confirm these findings.
Abstract:
The relationship between the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) I content of house dust and the respiratory symptoms reported for young infants was studied. One hundred and four infants, aged 3-15 months, were selected during July-September 1993 through the Dutch postnatal health care service, using a short screening questionnaire to identify mothers with respiratory allergy to house dust and/or pets. Forty-eight were selected from this group of mothers ("high risk" infants) and 56 infants were selected when neither of the parents reported allergy or chronic respiratory symptoms ("low risk" infants). All homes were visited in October 1993. Dust samples were collected from the infant's mattress and from other places in the home, and the Der p I content was measured in dust extracts. The results indicate that on more than half of the mattresses, the Der p I level was over 2,000 ng.g-1, the level suggested to be associated with an increased risk of sensitization. Information on respiratory symptoms ("wheeze" and "prolonged cough") experienced since birth was obtained by questionnaire from one of the parents on the dust sampling day. The occurrence of respiratory symptoms in the infants appeared to be positively related to the Der p I concentration of the dust. Although no objective measurements of respiratory symptoms were available, the results of this study suggest that exposure to mite allergen in early life may lead to respiratory symptoms that are suggestive of airway obstruction in the first year of life.