Home characteristics as predictors of bacterial and fungal microbial biomarkers in house dust.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Sordillo, Joanne E. Alwis, Udeni K. Hoffman, Elaine Gold, Diane R. Milton, Donald K.
Copyright Year	2011
Abstract	BackgroundMeasurement of fungal and bacterial biomarkers can be costly, but it is not clear whether home characteristics can be used as a proxy of these markers, particularly if the purpose is to differentiate specific classes of biologic exposures that have similar sources but may have different effects on allergic disease risk.ObjectiveWe evaluated home characteristics as predictors of multiple microbial biomarkers, with a focus on common and unique determinants and with attention to the extent of their explanatory ability.MethodsIn 376 Boston-area homes enrolled in a cohort study of home exposures and childhood asthma, we assessed the relationship between home characteristics gathered by questionnaire and measured gram-negative bacteria (GNB) (endotoxin and C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0 3-hydroxy fatty acids), gram-positive bacteria (GPB) (N-acetyl muramic acid), and fungal biomarkers [ergosterol and (1→6) branched, (1→3) β-d glucans] in bed and family room dust.ResultsHome characteristics related to dampness were significant predictors of all microbial exposures; water damage or visible mold/mildew in the home was associated with a 20–66% increase in GNB levels. Report of cleaning the bedroom at least once a week was associated with reduced GNB, GPB, and fungi. Presence of dogs or cats predicted increases in home bacteria or fungi. The proportion of variance in microbial biomarkers explained by home characteristics ranged from 4.2% to 19.0%.ConclusionsDespite their associations with multiple microbial flora, home characteristics only partially explain the variability in microbial biomarker levels and cannot substitute for specific microbial measurements in studies concerned with distinguishing effects of specific classes of microbes.
ISSN	00916765
Journal	Environmental Health Perspectives
Volume Number	119
PubMed Central reference number	PMC3040605
Issue Number	2
PubMed reference number	20965804
e-ISSN	15529924
DOI	10.1289/ehp.1002004
Language	English
Publisher	National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Publisher Date	2010-10-21
Access Restriction	Open
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Subject Keyword	bacteria dampness fungi home characteristics indoor exposure respiratory health
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health