SENSITIZATION TO COCKROACH ALLERGENS OF ASTHMATIC CHILDREN AND DETECTION OF COCKROACH ANTIGENS IN HOUSES OF ASTHMATIC CHILDREN

As part of an attempt to clarify adverse effects of cockroachs and mites upon children suffering from bronchial asthma, measurement has beeen taken of IgE antibodies specific to two cockroach subspecies (Perplaneta fulginosa and Blattella germanica) and a mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) as for 20 asthmatic children.Its results indicated that the rates of positivity were 25% (5/20) for Periplanate fulginosa, 30% (6/20) for Blattella germanica, and 95% (19/20) for Dermatophagoides farinae in the sera from the children as they were analyzed under Pharmacia's CAP system.In nine of the cases, detection attempts were made for allergen in the children's houses, where major allergen of Periplanata fulginosa (Per f1) were actually detected in four cases but major allergen of Blattella germanica (Bla g2) were not detected.Of nine cases in which both IgE antibodies specific to cockroaches and allergens were detected, there was only one case where the antibodies and allergens were positive.A comparison of the volume of allergens among the positive group of IgE antibodies specific to cockroaches, its negative counterpart, and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der 1) revealed no significant differences among the children's room, kichins and living rooms.