COCKROACH ALLERGEN IN HOUSE DUST AND SPECIFIC IgE TO COCKROACHES

Abstract:
Cockroach allergen (Bla g 1) content was determined in floordust of 46 homes with a recent cockroach extermination in Amsterdam. IgE antibodies to Blattella germanica were determined in venous blood samples of 46 children (4-12 years) and one of their biological parents (24-54 years). Specific IgE to cockroach was also determined in sera of children from a case-control study, one group with and three groups without a history of cockroach infestation of the home. In 44% of the homes cockroach allergen was detected in floor dust. The level ranged up to 3,899 ng Bla g I/g. Seven adults (15%) and one child (2%) had a positive RAST to cockroach. Cockroach allergen levels in dust from the living room and master bedroom of sensitized adults were similar to those of non-sensitized adults. One child (5%) from the homes with a record of cockroach presence, 4 children (16%) from the group with CNSRS, one child (4%) from the group without respiratory symptoms and 11 children (42%) with multiple sensitizations had a positive RAST to cockroach. Only one of the 18 children with a positive RAST to cockroach had a history of cockroach infestation of the home.