The effect of high-efficiency and standard vacuum-cleaners on mite, cat and dog allergen levels and clinical progress |
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Authors: | EJ Popplewell VA Innes S Lloyd-Hughes EL Jenkins K Khdir TN Bryant JO Warner JA Warner |
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Institution: | School of Medicine –Allergy and Inflammation Sciences Division (Child Health), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK |
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Abstract: | The major triggers for allergic asthma are exposure to allergens of the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , and of pets. Unfortunately studies of techniques designed to reduce house dust mite and pet allergens have had mixed results. However, new so-called 'improved' products continue to appear on the market and require subjective evaluation. The homes of 60 house dust mite-allergic patients were studied to compare the effects of high-efficiency and standard vacuum-cleaners on allergen concentration. Der p 1 (house dust mite), Fel d 1 (cat) and Can f 1 (dog) allergens were measured in four separate locations in each home. Clinical analysis was by lung function, bronchodilator usage and histamine challenge techniques. There was a significant reduction in Fel d 1 (ng/m2) in dust samples from the living-room carpet (p = 0.046), bedroom carpet (p = 0.003) and mattress (p = 0.013) and living-room sofa (p = 0.005) after 12 months of using the high-efficiency cleaners, but only in the mattress sample using the standard cleaners (p = 0.014). Can f 1 (ng/g dust) was reduced in the mattress sample after using the high-efficiency vacuum-cleaners (p = 0.028), but not at other sites. Der p 1 levels were not significantly changed over this period. Clinically, patients in the high-efficiency group showed improvements in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (p = 0.004), FEV1 (p = 0.026) and bronchodilator usage (p = 0.005) after 12 months. When the cat-sensitive patients were analyzed separately, improvements in histamine PC20 (p = 0.039) were also seen. Reducing Fel d 1 concentrations, in the absence of any change in Der p 1 concentrations, can produce significant improvements in the lung function of atopic, asthmatic patients. This effect was primarily achieved in those patients with cat sensitivity, but who did not possess a cat themselves. |
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Keywords: | asthma Fel d 1 histamine challenge lung function vacuum cleaner |
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