Home Characteristics as Predictors of Bacterial and Fungal Microbial Biomarkers in House Dust

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002004
• Publication Date: 2010-10-22T11:25:00Z
• Authors: Joanne E. Sordillo; Udeni K. Alwis; Elaine Hoffman; Diane R. Gold; Donald K. Milton
• Keywords: Dogs; Research; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Cats; Fungi; Animals; Dust; Humidity; Gram-Positive Bacteria; 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

BackgroundMeasurement of fungal and bacterial biomarkers can be costly, but it is not clear whether home characteristics used as a proxy these markers, particularly if the purpose to differentiate specific classes biologic exposures that have similar sources may different effects on allergic disease risk.ObjectiveWe evaluated predictors multiple microbial biomarkers, with focus common unique determinants attention extent their explanatory ability.MethodsIn 376 Boston-area homes enrolled in cohort study childhood asthma, we assessed relationship between gathered by questionnaire measured gram-negative bacteria (GNB) (endotoxin C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 3-hydroxy fatty acids), gram-positive (GPB) (N-acetyl muramic acid), [ergosterol (1→6) branched, (1→3) β-d glucans] bed family room dust.ResultsHome related dampness were significant all exposures; water damage or visible mold/mildew was associated 20–66% increase GNB levels. Report cleaning bedroom at least once week reduced GNB, GPB, fungi. Presence dogs cats predicted increases The proportion variance explained ranged from 4.2% 19.0%.ConclusionsDespite associations flora, only partially explain variability biomarker levels cannot substitute for measurements studies concerned distinguishing microbes.