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Sander I, Lotz A, Liebers V, Zahradnik E, Sauke-Gensow U, Petersen J, Raulf M. Comparing the concentration levels of allergens and endotoxins in employees' homes and offices. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 95:573-588. [PMID: 34738178 PMCID: PMC8938351 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01794-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to find out whether allergen and endotoxin concentrations in offices differ from those measured at the homes of employees, and identify the parameters that influence exposure. Methods Electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) were placed in five office buildings (68 rooms, 436 EDCs), as well as the homes of the office workers (145 rooms, 405 EDCs) for 14 days, four times a year. In addition, surface samples were collected from the offices four times a year by vacuuming the carpeted floors. Domestic mite (DM), and the major cat and dog allergens (Fel d 1 and Can f 1) were quantified in all samples using fluorescence enzyme immunoassays. Endotoxin was measured in the EDC samples, using the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. The allergen and endotoxin concentrations were log transformed and analysed with multilevel models. Results Endotoxin concentrations were significantly higher in personal homes compared to levels measured in the offices, and depended on the number of persons living in each household, as well as the presence of a dog. DM allergens were significantly higher in households than in offices, and were significantly higher in bedrooms compared to living rooms. Offices occupied by cat owners had significantly higher Fel d 1 concentrations than offices or homes without. Additionally, Can f 1 concentrations were significantly higher in offices occupied by dog owners compared to those without. Conclusions Pet owners appear to transfer cat and dog allergens to their offices. Therefore, in case of allergy complaints at the office, employers and physicians might consider possible contamination by cat and dog allergens. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00420-021-01794-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Sander
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Anne Lotz
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Verena Liebers
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eva Zahradnik
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sauke-Gensow
- Verwaltungsberufsgenossenschaft (VBG), German Social Accident Insurance, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jens Petersen
- Verwaltungsberufsgenossenschaft (VBG), German Social Accident Insurance, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
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Bastien BC, Gardner C, Satyaraj E. Influence of time and phenotype on salivary Fel d1 in domestic shorthair cats. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 21:867-874. [PMID: 31135257 PMCID: PMC6764004 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19850973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Fel d1 is a major allergen that may affect humans sensitive to cat allergens,
and it can be detected in the saliva and on the hair of cats. We studied the
variability of salivary Fel d1 in typical house cats (ie, neutered domestic
shorthair cats) and the factors that could be associated with that
variability. Methods Saliva samples were collected from 64 cats, twice daily, every other day, for
a year, at two locations (Missouri, USA, and Ontario, Canada). Salivary Fel
d1 levels were measured using an immunoassay. Correlations and linear
mixed-effects model analyses were run to assess which factors significantly
affected the Fel d1 levels. Results Salivary Fel d1 levels varied significantly both within and among cats. Cat
averages over the year ranged from 0.4–35 µg/ml, and a higher average
correlated with a higher SD (P <0.001). The first
collection of the day tended to be higher than the afternoon collection
(P <0.001). Sex, coat color or body size did not
relate to cats’ average Fel d1 production, but older cats tended to have
lower salivary Fel d1 levels (P <0.001). Fel d1 levels
from four samples were reliable in identifying cats producing stable low
levels of Fel d1. Conclusions and relevance We observed a wide and continuous range of salivary Fel d1 production in
domestic shorthair cats. In particular, a subset of cats had stable low
levels throughout the course of the year, and they can be identified by
analyzing a few saliva samples rather than their physical appearance.
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Zahradnik E, Raulf M. Respiratory Allergens from Furred Mammals: Environmental and Occupational Exposure. Vet Sci 2017; 4:vetsci4030038. [PMID: 29056697 PMCID: PMC5644656 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci4030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Furry mammals kept as pets, farm and laboratory animals are important allergen sources. The prevalence of sensitization to furred mammals appears to be increasing worldwide. Several mammalian allergens from diverse species are well characterized with regard to their molecular structure and immunogenicity, and some are already available for component-resolved allergy diagnostics. The distribution of various mammalian allergens has been extensively studied during the past few decades. Animal allergens were found to be ubiquitous in the human environment, even in places where no animals reside, with concentrations differing considerably between locations and geographical regions. This review presents an overview of identified mammalian respiratory allergens classified according to protein families, and compiles the results of allergen exposure assessment studies conducted in different public and occupational environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zahradnik
- Center of Allergology/Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Monika Raulf
- Center of Allergology/Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
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Abstract
Furry mammals kept as pets, farm and laboratory animals are important allergen sources. The prevalence of sensitization to furred mammals appears to be increasing worldwide. Several mammalian allergens from diverse species are well characterized with regard to their molecular structure and immunogenicity, and some are already available for component-resolved allergy diagnostics. The distribution of various mammalian allergens has been extensively studied during the past few decades. Animal allergens were found to be ubiquitous in the human environment, even in places where no animals reside, with concentrations differing considerably between locations and geographical regions. This review presents an overview of identified mammalian respiratory allergens classified according to protein families, and compiles the results of allergen exposure assessment studies conducted in different public and occupational environments.
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Lim FL, Hashim Z, Than LTL, Md Said S, Hisham Hashim J, Norbäck D. Asthma, Airway Symptoms and Rhinitis in Office Workers in Malaysia: Associations with House Dust Mite (HDM) Allergy, Cat Allergy and Levels of House Dust Mite Allergens in Office Dust. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124905. [PMID: 25923543 PMCID: PMC4414577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A prevalence study was conducted among office workers in Malaysia (N= 695). The aim of this study was to examine associations between asthma, airway symptoms, rhinitis and house dust mites (HDM) and cat allergy and HDM levels in office dust. Medical data was collected by a questionnaire. Skin prick tests were performed for HDM allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae) and cat allergen Felis domesticus. Indoor temperature and relative air humidity (RH) were measured in the offices and vacuumed dust samples were analyzed for HDM allergens. The prevalence of D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and cat allergy were 50.3%, 49.0% and 25.5% respectively. Totally 9.6% had doctor-diagnosed asthma, 15.5% had current wheeze and 53.0% had current rhinitis. The Der p 1 (from D. pteronyssinus) and Der f 1 (from D. farinae) allergens levels in dust were 556 ng/g and 658 ng/g respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted by multilevel logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, current smoking, HDM or cat allergy, home dampness and recent indoor painting at home. Office workers with HDM allergy had more wheeze (p= 0.035), any airway symptoms (p= 0.032), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.005), current asthma (p= 0.007), current rhinitis (p= 0.021) and rhinoconjuctivitis (p< 0.001). Cat allergy was associated with wheeze (p= 0.021), wheeze when not having a cold (p= 0.033), any airway symptoms (p= 0.034), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.010), current asthma (p= 0.020) and nasal allergy medication (p= 0.042). Der f 1 level in dust was associated with daytime breathlessness (p= 0.033) especially among those with HDM allergy. Der f 1 levels were correlated with indoor temperature (p< 0.001) and inversely correlated with RH (p< 0.001). In conclusion, HDM and cat allergies were common and independently associated with asthma, airway symptoms and rhinitis. Der f 1 allergen can be a risk factor for daytime breathlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lee Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Salmiah Md Said
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Uppsala University, Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
Exposure to animal allergens is a major risk factor for sensitization and allergic diseases. Besides mites and cockroaches, the most important animal allergens are derived from mammals. Cat and dog allergies affect the general population; whereas, allergies to rodents or cattle is an occupational problem. Exposure to animal allergens is not limited to direct contact to animals. Based on their aerodynamic properties, mammalian allergens easily become airborne, attach to clothing and hair, and can be spread from one environment to another. For example, the major cat allergen Fel d 1 was frequently found in homes without pets and in public buildings, including schools, day-care centers, and hospitals. Allergen concentrations in a particular environment showed high variability depending on numerous factors. Assessment of allergen exposure levels is a stepwise process that involves dust collection, allergen quantification, and data analysis. Whereas a number of different dust sampling strategies are used, ELISA assays have prevailed in the last years as the standard technique for quantification of allergen concentrations. This review focuses on allergens arising from domestic, farm, and laboratory animals and describes the ubiquity of mammalian allergens in the human environment. It includes an overview of exposure assessment studies carried out in different indoor settings (homes, schools, workplaces) using numerous sampling and analytical methods and summarizes significant factors influencing exposure levels. However, methodological differences among studies have contributed to the variability of the findings and make comparisons between studies difficult. Therefore, a general standardization of methods is needed and recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zahradnik
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA) , Bochum , Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA) , Bochum , Germany
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Zahradnik E, Raulf M. Animal allergens and their presence in the environment. Front Immunol 2014; 5:76. [PMID: 24624129 PMCID: PMC3939690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to animal allergens is a major risk factor for sensitization and allergic diseases. Besides mites and cockroaches, the most important animal allergens are derived from mammals. Cat and dog allergies affect the general population; whereas, allergies to rodents or cattle is an occupational problem. Exposure to animal allergens is not limited to direct contact to animals. Based on their aerodynamic properties, mammalian allergens easily become airborne, attach to clothing and hair, and can be spread from one environment to another. For example, the major cat allergen Fel d 1 was frequently found in homes without pets and in public buildings, including schools, day-care centers, and hospitals. Allergen concentrations in a particular environment showed high variability depending on numerous factors. Assessment of allergen exposure levels is a stepwise process that involves dust collection, allergen quantification, and data analysis. Whereas a number of different dust sampling strategies are used, ELISA assays have prevailed in the last years as the standard technique for quantification of allergen concentrations. This review focuses on allergens arising from domestic, farm, and laboratory animals and describes the ubiquity of mammalian allergens in the human environment. It includes an overview of exposure assessment studies carried out in different indoor settings (homes, schools, workplaces) using numerous sampling and analytical methods and summarizes significant factors influencing exposure levels. However, methodological differences among studies have contributed to the variability of the findings and make comparisons between studies difficult. Therefore, a general standardization of methods is needed and recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zahradnik
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA) , Bochum , Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA) , Bochum , Germany
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Abstract
Pyroglyphid mites are primarily associated with allergen exposure at home; hence the name house dust mites. However, we have found numerous studies reporting pyroglyhid mite levels in public and occupational settings. This review presents the findings of house dust mite allergens (family Pyroglyphidae, species Dermatophagoides) as potential work-related risk factors and proposes occupations at risk of house dust mite-related diseases. Pyroglyphid mites or their allergens are found in various workplaces, but clinically relevant exposures have been observed in hotels, cinemas, schools, day-care centres, libraries, public transportation (buses, trains, taxies, and airplanes), fishing-boats, submarines, poultry farms, and churches. Here we propose a classification of occupational risk as low (occasional exposure to mite allergen levels up to 2 μg g(-1)), moderate (exposure between 2 μg g(-1) and 10 μg g(-1)), and high (exposure >10 μg g(-1)). The classification of risk should include factors relevant for indoor mite population (climate, building characteristics, and cleaning schedule). To avoid development or aggravation of allergies associated with exposure to house dust mites at work, occupational physicians should assess exposure risk at work, propose proper protection, provide vocational guidance to persons at risk and conduct pre-employment and periodic examinations to diagnose new allergy cases. Protection at work should aim to control dust mite levels at work. Measures may include proper interior design and regular cleaning and building maintenance.
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Monitoring Microbial Populations on Wide-Body Commercial Passenger Aircraft. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 52:139-49. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mem068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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