Exposure to Alternaria alternata in US homes is associated with asthma symptoms - 16/08/11
Reprint requests: Darryl C. Zeldin, MD, NIEHS/NIH, 111 Alexander Drive, Mail Drop D2-01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.Research Triangle Park and Durham, NC
Abstract |
Background |
Exposure to the fungus Alternaria alternata is a risk factor for asthma. Few studies have examined Alternaria exposures in indoor environments.
Objective |
We examined whether exposure to A alternata in US homes was associated with asthma-related outcomes.
Methods |
The data for this study were collected as part of the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing. This cross-sectional study surveyed a nationally representative sample of 831 housing units inhabited by 2456 individuals in 75 different locations throughout the United States. An interviewer-administered questionnaire obtained information on demographics, household characteristics, and occupants’ health status. Exposure to A alternata was assessed by measuring concentrations of A alternata antigens in vacuumed dust samples using a polyclonal anti–A alternata antibody assay. Dust samples were collected from a bed, a sofa, or a chair, and from bedroom, living room, and kitchen floors.
Results |
Lifetime prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma was 11.2%, and 6.9% of the study subjects reported active asthma symptoms in the past 12 months. The prevalence of current symptomatic asthma increased with increasing Alternaria concentrations in US homes; higher levels of A alternata antigens increased the odds of having asthma symptoms in the past year (relative to the lowest tertile, adjusted odds ratio was 1.52, 95% CI, 0.90-2.55 for the 2nd tertile; and 1.84, 95% CI, 1.18-2.85 for the 3rd tertile).
Conclusion |
Exposure to A alternata in US homes is associated with active asthma symptoms.
Clinical implications |
Measures that reduce indoor exposure to A alternata may help control asthma exacerbations.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : Alternaria alternata, fungal allergen, antigen, indoor, exposure, asthma, allergy
Abbreviations used : GSE, NSLAH, OR
Plan
| Supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Disclosure of potential conflict of interest: The authors have declared that they have no conflict of interest. |
Vol 118 - N° 4
P. 892-898 - octobre 2006 Retour au numéro
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