Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
House dust mite allergens found in homes with cats
By Loft, Klaus Earl & Rosser, Edmund J·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2010·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Group 1 and 2 Dermatophagoides house dust mite allergens in the microenvironment of cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
In a study of 95 cats from 50 homes, researchers found that house dust mite allergens (HDMAs) were present in the dust where cats slept or rested. In 38 of the homes, the levels of these allergens were high enough to potentially cause allergic reactions in cats. Factors that increased allergen levels included having longhaired cats and living in free-standing houses, while central air conditioning and less carpeting helped reduce allergen levels. This suggests that dust mites could be a concern for cats with skin or breathing problems, and pet owners may want to consider cleaning and environmental changes to help manage allergies.
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Abstract
House dust mite allergens (HDMAs) are some of the most common allergens associated with allergic diseases in humans and dogs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HDMAs could be detected in cat-associated household microenvironments. From 50 cat-only households with 95 cats, dust samples were collected by vacuuming for 2 min m(-2) from three areas where cats slept or rested regularly from September to October 2006. Relative humidity and temperature were measured in each household using a data logger. Each owner completed a questionnaire on potential factors that might influence the prevalence of house dust mites (HDMs). Dust samples were analysed utilizing an ELISA for Der p 1, Der f 1 and HDM group 2 allergens. In 38 of 50 households there was greater than 2 microg g(-1) of dust for at least one HDMA. Using stepwise logistic regression, factors associated with increased HDMA levels included: free-standing houses, number of humans in household, longhaired cats and age of the cat. Factors associated with decreased HDMA concentrations included: forced air heating and central air conditioning, less than 50% carpeting of the home, use of flea control, cats suffering from dermatological disease and the average temperature of the household. Many sleeping/resting areas utilized by cats contain sufficiently high levels of HDMAs to be potential sources of sensitization. This finding should lead to further determination of the role of HDMs in cats suffering from putative allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis or asthma.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19725913/