Prevalence of mouse allergen (Mus m 1) in homes of New Zealand rural children

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2006 Mar;24(1):81-4.

Abstract

Mouse allergen has emerged as an under recognized indoor allergen associated with sensitization and contributing to asthma severity. As part of a study of farm residence, exposures, and risk of allergic diseases in children in New Zealand, 216 living room floor dust samples were analysed for the mouse allergen, Mus m 1. Associations between Mus m 1 and allergic diseases, farm residence, and presence of cats were analysed. Significantly higher levels of Mus m 1 were found in farm dwellings, while the presence of cats was associated with significantly lower Mus m 1 levels. Levels of Mus m 1 in New Zealand were considerably lower than those reported overseas. No significant associations were found between Mus m 1 levels and atopic status or allergic diseases. Mouse allergen is unlikely to be an important indoor allergen for rural New Zealand children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollution, Indoor
  • Allergens / analysis*
  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Child
  • Dust / immunology
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Housing*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / epidemiology*
  • Mice / immunology*
  • New Zealand
  • Prevalence
  • Rural Population

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Dust