%0 Journal Article %A Valeria Longo %A David Bilocca %A Chris Zammit %A Martin Balzan %A Fabio Cibella %A Steve Montefort %A Giovanni Viegi %A Paolo Colombo %T The Respira project: Difference in levels of indoor biological pollutants in schools and homes in Southern Sicily and Malta %D 2014 %J European Respiratory Journal %P P1485 %V 44 %N Suppl 58 %X Guidelines in asthma and allergic disease highlighted the importance of indoor levels of allergens and LPS evaluation, to identify the “threshold value” in sensitization and symptom onset. The RESPIRA Project has provided a monitoring study of LPS and four allergens (Derp1, Feld1, Alta1 and Phlp5) in Sicily and Malta.Methods: Dust samples were collected by vacuum sampling from schools (12 in Sicily and 6 in Malta – 3 classrooms per each school). From a population sample of 2,047 schoolchildren (11-14 years) a subsample of subjects with and without symptoms of allergic diseases was selected and their houses evaluated (74 in Sicily and 81 in Malta). LPS evaluation was determined by chromogenic LAL assay and allergen quantization was performed by Elisa assays.Results: In Sicily (Health District of Gela), data show a higher level of LPS in schools than in houses (p<0.0001); 70% of houses have a concentration of Der p 1 above the threshold value of sensitization (≥1 µg allergen/g dust) and, in any case, higher in dwellings than in schools (p<0.0001). In Malta no statistical difference in LPS concentration was recorded between houses and schools; on the other hand Der p 1 and Fel d 1 allergens are present in higher amount in Maltese dwelling. No differences were reported for Alt a 1 and Phl p 5. Finally, the comparison between LPS and allergens distribution between Sicily and Malta shows i) a significant higher LPS concentration in Italian schools (p<0.0001); ii) higher Fel d 1 concentration in Maltese schools; iii) higher Der p 1 concentration in Italian houses. Funded by Operational Programme Italia-Malta 2007-2013, RESPIRA Project #A.1.2.3-72. %U