Mite and cat allergen exposure in Brazilian public transport vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Mites and pets are important sources of indoor allergens.

OBJECTIVES

To determine Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1), Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f 1), and Felis domesticus (Fel d 1) allergen levels in buses and taxis and to evaluate the predominant allergen in each vehicle type.

METHODS

Mite and cat allergens were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in dust samples collected from upholstered seats in 60 natural-ventilation buses (NVBs), 60 artificial-ventilation buses (AVBs), and 60 taxis. Thirty dust samples from AVB air-conditioning filters were also included.

RESULTS

Levels of Der p 1 and Der f 1 were significantly higher in AVBs than in NVBs, whereas Fel d 1 levels were not significantly different between bus types. No significant differences were found in mite allergen levels in various sites in both types of buses, whereas Fel d 1 levels were significantly higher in rear and middle seats than in front seats in NVBs. Mite and cat allergen levels in taxis were significantly higher in passenger's rear seats than in driver's seats. A high proportion of dust samples from the vehicles, especially AVBs (82% for Der p 1 and 58% for Der f 1) had sensitizing levels of mite allergens, whereas more than 60% of samples from all vehicles had sensitizing levels of Fel d 1 allergen. In AVBs, samples from seats showed significantly higher levels of mite and cat allergens than those from air-conditioning filters.

CONCLUSIONS

Public transport vehicles constitute an important allergen reservoir for continuous contamination of the indoor environment.