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BMC Pulmonary Medicine
Published in: BMC Pulmonary Medicine 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Predictors of microbial agents in dust and respiratory health in the Ecrhs

Authors: Christina Tischer, Jan-Paul Zock, Maria Valkonen, Gert Doekes, Stefano Guerra, Dick Heederik, Deborah Jarvis, Dan Norbäck, Mario Olivieri, Jordi Sunyer, Cecilie Svanes, Martin Täubel, Elisabeth Thiering, Giuseppe Verlato, Anne Hyvärinen, Joachim Heinrich

Published in: BMC Pulmonary Medicine | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Dampness and mould exposure have been repeatedly associated with respiratory health. However, less is known about the specific agents provoking or arresting health effects in adult populations. We aimed to assess predictors of microbial agents in mattress dust throughout Europe and to investigate associations between microbial exposures, home characteristics and respiratory health.

Methods

Seven different fungal and bacterial parameters were assessed in mattress dust from 956 adult ECRHS II participants in addition to interview based home characteristics. Associations between microbial parameters and the asthma score and lung function were examined using mixed negative binomial regression and linear mixed models, respectively.

Results

Indoor dampness and pet keeping were significant predictors for higher microbial agent concentrations in mattress dust. Current mould and condensation in the bedroom were significantly associated with lung function decline and current mould at home was positively associated with the asthma score. Higher concentrations of muramic acid were associated with higher mean ratios of the asthma score (aMR 1.37, 95%CI 1.17-1.61). There was no evidence for any association between fungal and bacterial components and lung function.

Conclusion

Indoor dampness was associated with microbial levels in mattress dust which in turn was positively associated with asthma symptoms.
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Metadata
Title
Predictors of microbial agents in dust and respiratory health in the Ecrhs
Authors
Christina Tischer
Jan-Paul Zock
Maria Valkonen
Gert Doekes
Stefano Guerra
Dick Heederik
Deborah Jarvis
Dan Norbäck
Mario Olivieri
Jordi Sunyer
Cecilie Svanes
Martin Täubel
Elisabeth Thiering
Giuseppe Verlato
Anne Hyvärinen
Joachim Heinrich
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pulmonary Medicine / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2466
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-015-0042-y

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