House dust mite allergen accumulation on sheepskins

Area of Science:

• Allergen research
• Environmental health
• Pediatric allergy

Background:

• Sheepskins are common infant bedding in New Zealand.
• Sheepskins can harbor significant amounts of house dust mites and their allergens.
• House dust mite allergens are a common trigger for allergic sensitization in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the rate of accumulation of the house dust mite allergen Der p 1 on new sheepskins.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of washing and dry cleaning in removing Der p 1 from sheepskins.

Main Methods:

• New sheepskins were placed in domestic settings (floors and mattresses) for six weeks.
• Dust samples were collected from sheepskins at intervals and analyzed for Der p 1.
• Sheepskins were then warm-washed or dry-cleaned, and allergen levels were reassessed.

Main Results:

• Der p 1 levels increased rapidly on sheepskins, reaching high concentrations within six weeks.
• Warm-water washing reduced Der p 1 levels by 79.2%, while dry cleaning reduced them by 95.3%.
• Sheepskin allergen accumulation correlated with environmental dust mite levels.

Conclusions:

• Sheepskins accumulate house dust mite allergens quickly.
• Discourage sheepskin use as infant bedding for at-risk infants due to high allergen levels.
• Regular cleaning (washing or dry cleaning) is crucial if sheepskins are used for infant bedding.