Siebers R W, O'Grady G B, Fitzharris P, Crane J
Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine.
N Z Med J. 1998 Oct 23;111(1076):408-9.
Sheepskins, which are often used as infant bedding in New Zealand, are known to harbour large quantities of house dust mites and their allergens. In this study we determined the rate of accumulation of the house dust mite allergen, Der p 1 on new sheepskins, and the effects of washing and dry cleaning on its removal.
New sheepskins were placed on living-room floors (n = 6) and mattresses (n = 6) in six domestic dwellings in Wellington. Sheepskin dust samples were collected by vacuuming before placement, and at two, four and six weeks, after which they were warm-washed. They were replaced for a further six weeks, then dry-cleaned. Dust samples were collected before and after washing and dry-cleaning, and from mattresses and living-room floors. Dust samples were analysed for Der p 1 by double monoclonal antibody ELISA.
Der p 1 levels rapidly increased in sheepskins placed on living-room floors and mattresses to a geometric mean level (range) of 9.0 micrograms/g (1.1-102.2) and 29.4 micrograms/g (5.3-131.1) at six weeks, respectively. After warm-water washing and replacement for a further six weeks, these levels were higher at 75.5 micrograms/g (50.1-260.4) and 31.9 micrograms/g (11.1-75.2), respectively. Sheepskin Der p 1 accumulation correlated with mattress (r = 0.78), and living-room floor Der p 1 levels (r = 0.94). Warm water washing and dry-cleaning reduced sheepskins Der p 1 levels by a mean of 79.2% and 95.3%, respectively.
Sheepskins rapidly accumulate house dust mite allergens from the domestic environment. Due to very high levels and rapid accumulation of Der p 1, sheepskins as infant bedding should be discouraged for infants at risk of sensitisation to house dust mites. If they are to be used then it is important that they are washed or dry-cleaned regularly.
在新西兰，羊皮常被用作婴儿床上用品，已知其藏有大量屋尘螨及其过敏原。在本研究中，我们测定了新羊皮上屋尘螨过敏原Der p 1的积累速率，以及洗涤和干洗对其去除的效果。
将新羊皮放置在惠灵顿六所住宅的客厅地板（n = 6）和床垫（n = 6）上。在放置前以及放置后两周、四周和六周通过吸尘收集羊皮灰尘样本，之后进行温水洗涤。再放置六周后进行干洗。在洗涤和干洗前后以及从床垫和客厅地板上收集灰尘样本。通过双单克隆抗体ELISA分析灰尘样本中的Der p 1。
放置在客厅地板和床垫上的羊皮中Der p 1水平迅速升高，六周时几何平均水平（范围）分别为9.0微克/克（1.1 - 102.2）和29.4微克/克（5.3 - 131.1）。温水洗涤并再放置六周后，这些水平更高，分别为75.5微克/克（50.1 - 260.4）和31.9微克/克（11.1 - 75.2）。羊皮中Der p 1的积累与床垫（r = 0.78）以及客厅地板上Der p 1水平（r = 0.94）相关。温水洗涤和干洗分别使羊皮中Der p 1水平平均降低79.2%和95.3%。
羊皮会迅速从家庭环境中积累屋尘螨过敏原。由于Der p 1水平非常高且积累迅速，对于有对屋尘螨致敏风险的婴儿，不应将羊皮用作婴儿床上用品。如果要使用，定期洗涤或干洗很重要。
