Unusual allergen in a butcher with respiratory symptoms.

A 37-year-old butcher developed respiratory symptoms during sausage and chicken production in a large company. In addition to various spices, the enzyme transglutaminase was a possible cause. The lung function test showed mild partial reversible airway obstruction and severe bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Reliability and Correlation Between Indoor Allergen Concentrations from Vacuumed Surface Samples and Electrostatic Dust Collectors.

Objectives: Most studies on indoor allergen exposure used vacuumed surface samples for quantification. One alternative is electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs), which sample previously airborne settled dust. The aim of this study was to compare allergen quantification using two different sampling methods, with respect to repeatability, and to determine how well the results agree with one another.

Indoor allergen levels in settled airborne dust are higher in day-care centers than at home.

Background: Early-life sensitization to indoor allergens predicts asthma development. The aim of this study was to compare allergen concentrations in day-care centers (DCC) with those in private homes.

Methods: Settled airborne dust was collected 4 times a year from 20 German DCC (620 samples) and from the homes of children and day-care workers (602 samples) using electrostatic dust collectors (EDC).

Allergen quantification in surface dust samples from German day care centers.

Indoor allergens are among the main causes of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Allergen exposure is not limited to private homes. Mite, cat, and dog allergens were measured in day care centers to determine whether these concentrations detected might exert significant influence on human health.