Exposure to allergens, endotoxin and (1-3)-β-glucan in various areas of a veterinary faculty

Veterinary medicine and the training area of veterinary students are fields of work with diverse exposures to various mammalian allergens, mite allergens and microbial components of bioaerosols. In particular, the unavoidable allergen exposures pose a risk of sensitization and allergic complaints. However, sufficient data on the level of allergen exposure are not available. Therefore, airborne dust measurements were performed at various locations of a veterinary faculty and their training centers in an agricultural reaserch farm including quantification of major allergens from cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1), horse (Equ c 1), cattle (Bos d 2), mouse (Mus m 1) and mite allergens of different species. Furthermore, endotoxin and (1-3)-beta-glucan as markers of bacterial and mold load were determined. The animal allergens were mainly detected where the corresponding animals were treated (examination rooms) or housed (stables). The maximum values were 0.5 ng/m(3) for Fel d 1, 11.4 ng/m(3) for Can f 1, 729 ng/m(3) for Equ c 1 and 1 439 ng/m(3) for Bos d 2. Apart from the expected detection of animal allergens in animal treatment and housing areas, the transfer of allergens to areas without the presence of animals could be detected by using sensitive immunoassays. Mite allergens of various species were found mainly in animal stables with the highest concentrations in the henhouse. Endotoxin and (1-3)-beta-glucan were detected in all samples and correlated significantly. The highest concentrations of both parameters were measured in the henhouse and pigsty.