Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.2478/10004-1254-61-2010-2004
Determination of Aspergillus fumigatus Allergen 1 in Poultry Farms Using the Enzyme Immunoassay
Ljerka Prester
; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Jelena Macan
; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Kristina Matković
; Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Vučemilo
; Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Poultry farms contain high levels of allergenic fungi, and Aspergillus spp. is the most common genus of moulds. Aspergillus fumigatus antigens are responsible for the development of several respiratory diseases including asthma. The aim of this study was to measure the mass fraction of Asp f 1, a major allergen of Asperillus fumigatus in 37 indoor dust samples collected from four poultry farms in a rural area of the Zagreb County (Croatia) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. More than 62 % of dust samples had detectable Asp f 1 levels (limit of detection 3.6 ng g-1). The overall mean Asp f 1 level was 17.9 ng g-1 [range (3.8 to 72.4) ng g-1]. Satisfactory results were obtained for analytical within-run imprecision
(6.7 %), between-run imprecision (10.5 %), and accuracy (91 % to 115 %). Microclimate parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, and velocity) were within the recommended ranges in all poultry farms.
This study has shown that Asp f 1 settles on dust at poultry farms and that occupational exposure to this allergen deserves monitoring in livestock buildings.
Keywords
Asp f 1; ELISA; farm workers; A. fumigatus; mould; mould allergen
Hrčak ID:
53957
URI
Publication date:
16.6.2010.
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