Beta-(1,3)-glucan levels and its determinants in New Zealand bedrooms.

ABSTRACT

Beta-(1,3)-glucan is a pro-inflammatory component of the fungal cell wall, indoor levels of which have only been considered in a few studies. This study assessed levels of beta-(1,3)-glucan in 35 domestic bedrooms. beta-(1,3)-glucan levels were estimated using a modified Limulus amoebocyte lysate kinetic assay. beta-(1,3)-glucan geometric mean levels (95% confidence interval) were 163.9 microg/g (129.5-209.3) from bedroom floors; 76,6 microg/g (61.4-94.0) from mattresses; 132.1 microg/g (68.9-207.9) from duvets; and 110.0 microg/g (82.2-146.4) from pillows. Synthetic bedding and older mattresses contained higher beta-(1,3)-glucan levels. Synthetic bedding contains higher levels of beta-(1,3)-glucan than feather bedding, which may be of importance to asthmatics.