Silverfish protein in house dust in relation to mite and total arthropod level

Two assays have been developed to measure arthropod levels in house dust. The first assay measures silverfish antigens. The second assay measures invertebrate tropomyosin and gives a global assessment of the level of arthropod-derived material. These assays and a Der p 1 and Der p 2 assay were used to analyse 53 dust samples. In most dust samples the ratio of tropomyosin/Der p 2 was higher than in mite body extract, indicating that the assay measures other arthropods besides mites. Silverfish antigen was detectable in most of the dust samples. In many homes in which the inhabitants were unaware of the presence of silverfish, silverfish antigen was detectable. Therefore for information on exposure an immunochemical analysis is superior to a questionnaire.