December 12th, 2017
Background: Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between indoor fungal growth and respiratory symptoms. However, in only a few studies was fungal exposure actually measured. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measurement by enzyme immunoassay of extracellular polysaccharides ofAspergillus and Penicillium species (EPS-Asp/Pen) in house dust as a marker for fungal exposure and to study the relations between EPS-Asp/Pen levels and home dampness and respiratory symptoms in children. Methods: Extracts of house dust samples from bedroom and living room floors and mattresses from homes of 31 children with chronic respiratory symptoms and 29 children with no chronic respiratory symptoms were analyzed for EPS-Asp/Pen. Results: EPS-Asp/Pen were readily detectable (40 to 46,513 nanogram equivalent/g dust) in 161 house dust extracts, with highest concentrations in living room floor dust. EPS-Asp/Pen levels were 2 to 3 times higher on carpeted floors than on smooth floors. EPS-Asp/Pen were significantly correlated with total culturable fungi (r = 0.3 to 0.5) and with house dust mite allergens (r = 0.3 to 0.5). EPS-Asp/Pen levels in living room floor dust were positively associated with occupant-reported home dampness. This was not observed for EPS-Asp/Pen in bedroom floor and mattress dust. EPS-Asp/Pen levels in living room floor dust were positively associated with respiratory symptoms. EPSAsp/Pen in bedroom floor and mattress dust showed a reversed association with respiratory symptoms, possibly because of allergen-avoidance measures taken in the bedroom. Conclusion: The enzyme immunoassay for fungal EPS-Asp/Pen Environmental and occupational disorders Fungal extracellular polysaccharides in house dust as a marker for exposure to fungi: Relations with culturable fungi, reported home dampness, and respiratory symptoms Jeroen Douwes, MSc,a Betty van der Sluis, MSc,a Gert Doekes, PhD,a Frans van Leusden, BSc,b Luc Wijnands, BSc,b Rob van Strien, MSc,aArnoud Verhoeff, PhD,c and Bert Brunekreef, PhDa Wageningen, Bilthoven, andAmsterdam, The Netherlands From athe Department of Environmental Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health Group, WageningenAgricultural University, Wageningen; bthe National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven; and cthe Department of Epidemiology, Municipal Health Service,Amsterdam. Received for publicationApr 12, 1998; revisedAug 25, 1998; acceptedAug 27, 1998. Reprint requests: Gert Doekes, PhD, Department of Environmental Sciences, Environmental & Occupational Health Group, WageningenAgricultural University, PO Box 238, 6700AE Wageningen, The Netherlands. (JAllergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:494-500.)