Airborne Food Allergen and Aeroallergen Levels in Health Care Settings: An Unaccounted for but Potentially Relevant Source of Exposure?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Leal, M (Author) Other; Paciencia, I (Author) Other; Farraia, M (Author) Other; Rufo, JC (Author) Other; Mendes, FC (Author) Other; Delgado, L (Author) FMUP; Viegas, C (Author) Other; Moreira, André (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology

Vol. 31

Pages: 426-432

ISSN: 1018-9068

Publisher: Esmon Publicidad S.A.

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-MMB

DOI: 10.18176/jiaci.0623

Abstract (EN): Background: Exposure to airborne allergens of biological origin is associated with the development and exacerbation of allergic asthma and rhinitis. Assessment of allergen exposure in health care facilities may improve monitoring of hygiene and surveillance of specific allergens that can cause symptoms in sensitized persons. Objective: To assess concentrations of airborne food and aeroallergens in various health care settings in Portugal. Methods: Dust was vacuumed from primary health care centers in Lisbon and from the emergency department, day hospital, internal medicine ward, operating room, and outpatient clinic of a university central hospital in Porto. Samples were sieved, weighed, and extracted, and concentrations of Nbos d 5, Cor a 9, Gal d 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 6, Der p 1, Fel d 1, Can f 1, Bla g 2, Alt a 1, and Phl p 5 were determined using a multiplex array for allergens (MARIA). Results: All airborne food and aeroallergens were found in at least 1 sampled area, except for Alt a 1. Levels of Der p 1 and Fel d 1 ranged from 13.0 mu g/g to 971.0 mu g/g and from 7.0 mu g/g to 4618.8 mu g/g, respectively. Higher levels of food allergens were found in the emergency department (Nbos d 5, 16 034.0 mu g/g; and Cor a 9, 10 649.5 mu g/g). Conclusions: Except for the operating room, exposure levels for dust mite and cat and dog dander in health care facilities were above the values associated with sensitization and allergic asthma or rhinitis symptoms in sensitized persons.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7