The effect of frequent vacuum cleaning on the house dust mite allergen, Der p 1 in carpets: a pilot study.

Aim: To determine the effect of frequent vacuum cleaning of carpets on Der p 1, the major group one allergen of the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Methods: Nine rooms and three hallways in the resident medical officers quarters at Wellington Hospital were regularly vacuum cleaned (daily, except weekends) over a five week period. Dust samples were collected before and at weekly intervals for Der p 1 measurement by a double monoclonal antibody ELISA technique.