Dustborne Alternaria alternata antigens in US homes: Results from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing

doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2005.05.030

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Volume 116, Issue 3, September 2005, Pages 623-629

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2005.05.030 Get rights and content

Background

Alternaria alternata is one of the most common fungi associated with allergic disease. However, Alternaria exposure in indoor environments is not well characterized.

Objective

The primary goals of this study were to examine the prevalence of Alternaria exposure and identify independent predictors of Alternaria antigen concentrations in US homes.

Methods

Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing. A nationally representative sample of 831 housing units in 75 different locations throughout the United States completed the survey. Information on housing and household characteristics was obtained by questionnaire and environmental assessments. Concentrations of A alternata antigens in dust collected from various indoor sites were assessed with a polyclonal anti-Alternaria antibody assay.

Results

Alternaria antigens were detected in most (95% to 99%) of the dust samples. The geometric mean concentration, reflecting the average Alternaria concentration in homes, was 4.88 μg/g (SEM, 0.13 μg/g). In the multivariable linear regression analysis, the age of the housing unit, geographic region, urbanization, poverty, family race, observed mold and moisture problems, use of dehumidifier, and presence of cats and dogs were independent predictors of Alternaria antigen concentrations. Less frequent cleaning and smoking indoors also contributed to higher Alternaria antigen levels in homes.

Conclusion

Exposure to A alternata antigens in US homes is common. Antigen levels in homes are influenced not only by regional factors but also by residential characteristics. Preventing mold and moisture problems, avoiding smoking indoors, and regular household cleaning may help reduce exposure to Alternaria antigens indoors.

Section snippets

Study data

The data for this study were collected as part of the NSLAH. This cross-sectional study, which was conducted from 1998 to 1999 by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, used a complex, multistage design to sample the US population of permanently occupied, noninstitutional housing units that permit children. The study protocol was approved by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Institutional Review Board

Prevalence and distribution of Alternaria antigen levels in US homes

The majority (≥95%) of the dust samples had detectable levels of Alternaria antigens. Fig 1 shows a statistical summary of Alternaria antigen concentrations in US homes. Spearman rank correlation coefficients between Alternaria concentrations at the 5 sampling locations ranged from 0.16 (bedroom bed vs kitchen floor) to 0.47 (living room floor vs upholstery). Correlations between Alternaria concentrations at each sampling locations and the house index (which reflects the average Alternaria

Discussion

This survey is the first study that assessed dustborne A alternata antigen concentrations in the US housing stock. Alternaria antigens were present in virtually all homes. Both regional and residential characteristics influenced Alternaria antigen concentrations. On the basis of our data-driven prediction model, the age of the housing unit, census region, degree of urbanization, poverty, race of residents, observed mold and moisture problems in the home, use of dehumidifier, and presence of

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: Supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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Environmental and occupational respiratory disordersDustborne Alternaria alternata antigens in US homes: Results from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Section snippets

Study data

Prevalence and distribution of Alternaria antigen levels in US homes

Discussion

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J Allergy Clin Immunol

J Allergy Clin Immunol

J Allergy Clin Immunol

J Allergy Clin Immunol

J Allergy Clin Immunol

Alternaria as a major allergen for asthma in children raised in a desert environment

Am J Respir Crit Care Med

Indoor Biologic Exposures

Natural exposure to Alternaria spores induces allergic rhinitis symptoms in sensitized children

Pediatr Allergy Immunol

Exposure to an aeroallergen as a possible precipitating factor in respiratory arrest in young patients with asthma

N Eng J Med

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Environ Health Perspect

Clinical importance of Alternaria exposure in children

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BMJ

Environmental and occupational respiratory disorders
Dustborne Alternaria alternata antigens in US homes: Results from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing