HealthGate Document

Title

Characteristics and diagnoses of cockroach-sensitive bronchial asthma [published erratum appears in Ann Allergy 1992 Sep;69(3):174]

Author

Kang BC; Wu CW; Johnson J

Address

Mt. Sinai Hospital-Rush Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.

Source

Ann Allergy, 1992 Mar, 68:3, 237-44

Abstract

Bronchial asthma with cockroach hypersensitivity is prevalent among urban asthmatic populations. To elucidate characteristics of cockroach asthma, we analyzed 592 consecutive urban Chicago asthmatic patients retrospectively. Allergy skin testing (AST) with common inhalants, serum total IgE, and cockroach-specific IgE (IgE-CR) antibodies were measured. Some cockroach asthmatics were studied further for bronchial reactivity in vivo and histamine releasability (HR) in vitro against cockroach allergen (CRa), and diagnostic accuracy for asthma was analyzed. Clinical characteristics were evaluated and compared with those of ragweed asthmatics and asthmatics in general. Two hundred eighty-three (196 women, 87 men) were reactive to CRa by AST. The average age and duration of cockroach asthma were 30.4 and 15.1 years, respectively. Steroid dependency of the cockroach asthma was higher (32%) than those of general asthmatics (P less than .05) and ragweed asthma (P less than .05). IgE level was elevated (geometric mean 413.2 IU/mL), higher than that of general asthmatics (P less than .001), and 87% showed IgE level higher than 100 IU/mL. IgE-CR and BPT-CR were positive in 61% (175 tested) and in 87% (166 tested), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of skin test were 99% and 40%, while those of IgE-CR were 91% and 58%, respectively. IgE-CR increased probability of cockroach asthma from 87% to 91%. BPT with CRa was correlated well with the HR of leukocytes (P less than .0001). Thus, cockroach asthma is a severe allergic asthma and can be diagnosed accurately by skin test plus BPT or skin test plus HR.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

92189206

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*IM; Asthma|*DI/ET/IM; Cockroaches|*IM

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Aged; Animal; Comparative Study; Female; Histamine|BL; Human; IgE|AN; Male; Middle Age; Retrospective Studies; Skin Tests; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0003-4738

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 37341-29-0 (IgE); 51-45-6 (Histamine)

Title

Socioeconomic status and race as risk factors for cockroach allergen exposure and sensitization in children with asthma.

Author

Sarpong SB; Hamilton RG; Eggleston PA; Adkinson NF Jr

Address

Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287-3923, USA.

Source

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1996 Jun, 97:6, 1393-401

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The domestic cockroach has been identified as an important source of indoor aeroallergens worldwide in both temperate and tropical climates. Because cockroach populations are highest in crowded urban areas, some have suggested that the increased asthma morbidity and mortality rates in inner cities could be related in part to cockroach allergen exposure. We have examined cockroach allergen exposure in the homes of children with asthma in both urban and suburban locations and have related the rates of exposure and sensitization to socioeconomic, racial, and demographic factors. OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to determine the independent contribution of race, socioeconomic status, and place of residence to the risk of cockroach allergen exposure and sensitization in children with asthma. METHODS: Eighty-seven children with moderate to severe allergic asthma, aged 5 to 17 years, participating in a prospective trial of immunotherapy, were evaluated. Extracted dust samples from three home locations were analyzed by using two-site monoclonal immunoassays for major cockroach allergens (Bla g 1 and Bla g 2). A puncture skin test with a mixed cockroach allergen extract was performed in 81 of the 87 subjects. RESULTS: In the 87 homes evaluated, 26% of the bedroom dust samples had detectable levels of cockroach allergen. In homes with detectable bedroom cockroach allergen levels, mean Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 concentrations in urban and suburban homes were similar. Over 80% of children with bedroom Bla g 1 or Bla g 2 of 1 U/gm or greater demonstrated skin sensitivity to cockroach allergen. The rate of cockroach sensitization was directly related to the level of bedroom exposure. African-American race was the only factor that was independently associated with cockroach allergen exposure (p = 0.05). Lower socioeconomic status, age greater than 11 years, cockroach exposure, and African-American race were all independently associated with cockroach allergen sensitization on the basis of stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: African-American race and low socioeconomic status were both independent, significant risk factors for cockroach allergen sensitization in children with atopic asthma. Cockroach allergen is detectable throughout the house, including the critical bedroom environment.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96243721

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*; Asthma|*IM; Cockroaches|*IM

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Aerosols; Animal; Child; Environmental Exposure; Female; Human; Linear Models; Male; Mites|IM; Odds Ratio; Racial Stocks; Risk Factors; Skin Tests; Social Class; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; Urban Population

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0091-6749

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Aerosols); 0 (Allergens)

Title

Atopic profile of inner-city asthma with a comparative analysis on the cockroach-sensitive and ragweed-sensitive subgroups.

Author

Kang BC; Johnson J; Veres-Thorner C

Address

Mount Sinai Hospital-Rush Medical School, Chicago.

Source

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1993 Dec, 92:6, 802-11

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Inner-city asthma is well known for its high risk of mortality. To better understand urban asthma, we examined clinical characteristics and aeroallergen sensitivities of 592 of 680 consecutive urban Chicago residents with asthma. METHODS: A total of 227 male and 453 female subjects who met the criteria for the study were registered. A comprehensive clinical evaluation was followed by allergy skin testing (prick and intradermal testing) with 10 groupings (5 indoor and 5 outdoor) of common aeroallergens. Serum total IgE and selective antigen-specific IgE levels, including cockroach-specific IgE, were routinely measured. A total of 592 (196 male and 396 female) subjects with an average age of 35 years were skin tested. The average duration of asthma was 12.6 years, and 31% of the population was receiving corticosteroids. RESULTS: Aeroallergen sensitivity was noted in 85%, and 94 subjects (15%) were nonallergic. House dust sensitivity (76%) was most prevalent, distantly followed by sensitivity to cockroach (48%), ragweed (45%), other weeds (42%), cat (40%), and dust mite (24%). The average number of aeroallergen sensitivities detected was 4 of 10 groupings of both indoor and outdoor allergens. Twenty percent of subjects were allergic to only indoor allergens, whereas 4% were allergic to outdoor allergens only. Serum IgE was 245 +/- 17.3 IU/ml (geometric mean+SEM), and 74% of 444 serum samples showed IgE antibody levels greater than or equal to 100 IU/ml. A cockroach-sensitive subgroup (283 subjects) had longer duration of asthma (p < 0.0001) and fewer additional aeroallergen sensitivities (p < 0.0001) than the ragweed-sensitive subgroup (264 subjects). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that a great majority (85%) of inner-city Chicago residents with asthma have atopic asthma, as demonstrated by highly elevated IgE levels and multiple aeroallergen sensitivities. Sensitivity to indoor allergens is more prevalent than sensitivity to outdoor allergens. The subjects with cockroach-sensitive asthma appear to be a distinctive subgroup characterized by chronicity and elevated serum IgE antibody levels with fewer aeroallergen skin test sensitivities.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

94081229

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|CL/EP/*IM

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Aged; Allergens; Animal; Chicago|EP; Child; Child, Preschool; Cockroaches|IM; Comparative Study; Female; Human; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; IgE|BL; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Age; Pollen; Registries; Skin Tests; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Urban Population

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0091-6749

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

[Study of cockroach allergy in asthmatic children. The positive rates and antigenicity of cockroach allergen]

Author

Onoue Y; Murakami G; Takayanagi M; Iwaya M; Kayahara M; Adachi Y; Matsuno M; Adachi Y

Address

Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University.

Source

Arerugi, 1995 Oct, 44:10, 1207-15

Abstract

The specific IgE antibodies to 4 species of cockroach were measured in sera from 51 asthmatic children 6 to 16 years old by RAST and CAP system. Positive rates of RAST to Periplaneta fuliginosa, Blattela germanica, Periplaneta americana and Periplaneta japonica were 17.6%, 29.4%, 19.6% and 15.7%, respectively and those of CAP system to Periplaneta fuliginosa and Blattela germanica were 15.7%, respectively. Among those with positive RAST to 4 species of cockroach there were significant correlations. Significant correlations were observed also between the RAST titer for the whole bodies and feces of Periplaneta fuliginosa and Blattela germanica and immunoblotting analysis of sera obtained from two cockroach-positive patients revealed common sensitive fraction between whole body and feces. Immediate bronchial response was detected by bronchial provocation test. RAST inhibition study indicated no cross-reacting allergenicity between cockroach and mite. Collectively, cockroach is one of important inhalent allergens in asthmatic children.

Language of Publication

LA=JPN

Unique Identifier

96111721

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*IM; Asthma|*IM; Cockroaches|*IM

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Animal; Antibody Specificity; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Child; English Abstract; Human; IgE|BL; Radioallergosorbent Test

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0021-4884

Country of Publication

JAPAN

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Exposure and sensitization to environmental allergen of predominantly Hispanic children with asthma in San Diego's inner city.

Author

Christiansen SC; Martin SB; Schleicher NC; Koziol JA; Hamilton RG; Zuraw BL

Address

Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.

Source

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1996 Aug, 98:2, 288-94

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Environmental living conditions co-sorting with economic status may influence the disease morbidity rate of childhood asthma in ethnic minority urban poor populations. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to assess exposure and sensitization to environmental allergens in southeast San Diego children with current asthma-related symptoms and to determine the utility of environmental control measures. METHODS: Children, 9 to 12 years old, with current asthma-related symptoms were identified and enrolled at four school sites. Skin prick testing with aeroallergens was performed, and allergen in collected dust (from mattresses, pillows, and bedroom carpets) was quantified by enzyme immunoassay. Environmental control instruction and products were provided. RESULTS: Of 41 subjects who underwent skin testing, 51.2% were reactive to environmental allergens (39% to mite, 22% to cockroach, and 9.8% to cat). Mean allergen levels for sensitized subjects were: Der p 1 (11 subjects), 18,722 ng/gm dust; Der f 1 (8 subjects), 5345 ng/gm dust; Fel d 1 (3 subjects), 214 ng/gm dust; Bla 1 (8 subjects), 7.15 U/gm dust; and Bla 2 (8 subjects) 7.13 U/gm dust. Environmental allergen exposure levels were not significantly different between sensitized and nonsensitized subjects. Environmental control measures for mite exposure were completed in six homes of sensitized subjects. One month after treatment, allergen levels fell 91.2% for Der p 1, 98.9% for Der f 1, and 88.2% for Fel d 1. One year after treatment, mite and cat allergen levels remained low. Environmental control had no consistent impact on cockroach allergen levels. CONCLUSION: Environmental allergen sensitization and exposure may be cofactors contributing to increased disease severity in urban poor populations.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96347951

MeSH Heading (Major)

Air Pollutants, Environmental|*AE/*IM/PD; Allergens|*AE; Asthma|*EH/EP/*IM

MeSH Heading

Animal; Aspartic Proteinases|AE; California; Child; Cockroaches|IM; Environmental Illness|EH/EP/IM; Environmental Monitoring; Glycoproteins|AE; Hispanic Americans; Housing; Human; Pollen|IM; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; Urban Health

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0091-6749

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

EC 3.4.23 (Aspartic Proteinases); EC 3.4.23.- (allergen Bla g 2); 0 (allergen Fel d I); 0 (Air Pollutants, Environmental); 0 (Allergens); 0 (Dermatophagoides allergens); 0 (Glycoproteins)

Title

[Allergy to cockroaches in a Swiss population with asthma and chronic rhinitis]

Author

Mosimann B; Peitrequin R; Blanc C; PÆecoud A

Address

DÆepartement de mÆedecine interne, CHUV, Lausanne.

Source

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1992 Aug 22, 122:34, 1245-8

Abstract

Cockroach extracts are known to contain powerful allergens. In some parts of the world the majority of asthmatics have been shown to be allergic to cockroaches. We have evaluated the prevalence of sensitization to the cockroaches Blattella germanica and Trogoderma angustum in a Swiss population with chronic, non-seasonal asthma and rhinitis. The sera of 110 patients were screened for specific IgE by the RAST technique. We found 10 positive RAST (class 1 to 2). 7 of the 110 patients were sensitized to cockroaches (6.3%). 3 patients had positive RASTs for both species of cockroach. 2 patients had no other detectable allergy (= 5% of those who were considered as non-allergic before the study). These results suggest that allergy to cockroaches is uncommon in Switzerland but can sometimes be detected. We conclude that in Switzerland, screening for hypersensitivity to cockroaches should not be included in routine allergic investigations.

Language of Publication

LA=FRE

Unique Identifier

92410269

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*IM; Asthma|*IM; Cockroaches|*IM; Dermatitis, Contact|*IM; Hay Fever|*IM

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Aged; Animal; English Abstract; Female; Human; Male; Middle Age; Radioallergosorbent Test

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0036-7672

Country of Publication

SWITZERLAND

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens)

Title

Sequencing analysis of cDNA clones encoding the American cockroach Cr-PI allergens. Homology with insect hemolymph proteins.

Author

Wu CH; Lee MF; Liao SC; Luo SF

Address

Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan 40705.

Source

J Biol Chem, 1996 Jul 26, 271:30, 17937-43

Abstract

A previous article described the isolation of several lambdagt22A cDNA clones expressing the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) Cr-PI allergens recognized by both human atopic IgE antibodies and anti-Cr-PI monoclonal antibodies (Wu, C. H., Lee, M. F., and Liao, S. C.(1995) J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 96, 352-359). This article presents the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of two cDNA clones encoding major allergens of P. americana. Clones C12 and C20 encode proteins of 685 and 631 amino acids with two potential N-glycosylation sites each. The predicted molecular weights for C12 and C20 cloned proteins are 79,300 and 75, 500 with isoelectric point values of 6.26 and 6.63, which are compatible with the determined sizes (Mr 78,000 and 72,000) and isoelectric point value (6.2) of the Cr-PI allergens of P. americana. A high degree of identity (69.1%), including several overlapped predicted central antigenic determinant residues, was found between two allergens. The anti-fusion protein antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was able to detect crude American cockroach extract, Cr-PI, recombinant proteins, and commercial cockroach extracts, which provides further evidence that two allergens share common antigen determinants. Recombinant allergens of clones C12 and C20 both showed 47.4% skin reactivities on 19 cockroach-sensitive asthmatic patients. Unexpectedly, although no sequence similarity was found to other known allergens, two aromatic amino acid-rich allergens were found to have a striking sequence identity to insect storage proteins (20.1-33.9%), insect juvenile hormone-suppressible proteins (30.9-36.4%), and arthropod hemocyanins (29.7-34.6%). Results suggested that two prominent allergens of P. americana are ancestrally related to these insect hemolymph proteins and represent a new group of proteins in the hemocyanin superfamily. These data will now facilitate epitope-mapping studies, and the recombinant allergens may be valuable for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96279336 GENBANK/L40818 GENBANK/L40820

MeSH Heading (Major)

Cockroaches|*GE/IM; Proteins|*GE/ME

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Amino Acid Sequence; Animal; Asthma|CO; Base Sequence; DNA, Complementary|GE; Epitopes; Human; Hypersensitivity|CO/DI; Insect Hormones|GE; Middle Age; Molecular Sequence Data; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Skin Tests; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0021-9258

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (allergen Cr-PI); 0 (arylphorin); 0 (DNA, Complementary); 0 (Epitopes); 0 (Insect Hormones); 0 (Proteins)

Title

Quality of housing and allergy to cockroaches in the Dominican Republic.

Author

Barnes KC; Brenner RJ

Address

Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.

Source

Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 1996 Jan, 109:1, 68-72

Abstract

Fifty-one atopic asthmatic and/or allergic rhinitic children and 23 nonatopic control from Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, were skin tested with an extract mix of three cockroach species (Blattella germanica, Blatta orientalis, and Periplaneta americana). Sixteen percent of the atopics and none of the nonatopics demonstrated positive immediate skin reactions to the cockroach mix (chi 2 = 4.05, p = 0.04). Hypersensitivity was correlated with the quality of the homes; 22% (8/36) of the atopics who lived in a concrete home were skin test positive to the cockroach mix, while none (0/15) of the atopics who lived in a wood home were skin test positive (chi 2 = 4.86, p = 0.03). Although the incidence of cockroach allergy in this study is lower than that found elsewhere, these data support the notion that, in this tropical environment, sensitization to cockroaches is associated with housing quality.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96127921

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|*EP/ET; Cockroaches|*; Housing|*/ST; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial|*EP/ET

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Allergens|AE; Animal; Bronchial Hyperreactivity|ET; Child; Child, Preschool; Dominican Republic|EP; Female; Human; Incidence; Male; Skin Tests; Socioeconomic Factors; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

1018-2438

Country of Publication

SWITZERLAND

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens)

Title

IgE antibodies reactive with silverfish, cockroach and chironomid are frequently found in mite-positive allergic patients.

Author

Witteman AM; van den Oudenrijn S; van Leeuwen J; Akkerdaas J; van der Zee JS; Aalberse RC

Address

Central Laboratory of The Netherlands Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, University of Amsterdam.

Source

Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 1995 Oct, 108:2, 165-9

Abstract

Approximately 30% of the house dust mite allergic patients in The Netherlands have IgE antibodies reactive with silverfish, cockroach and/or chironomid. In allergic patients without IgE antibodies against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus less than 5% have IgE antibodies reactive with these insects. By means of RAST inhibition studies it is shown that cross-reactivity exists between D. pteronyssinus and silverfish, cockroach or chironomid. This means that a positive RAST for silverfish, cockroach, chironomid or D. pteronyssinus cannot be taken as evidence for exposure.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96021099

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|*IM; Chironomidae|*IM; Cockroaches|*IM; Hypersensitivity|*IM; IgE|*IM; Insects|*IM; Mites|*IM; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial|*IM

MeSH Heading

Animal; Cross Reactions; Human; Radioallergosorbent Test; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

1018-2438

Country of Publication

SWITZERLAND

CAS Registry/EC Number

37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Molecular cloning of German cockroach (Blattella germanica) allergens.

Author

Arruda LK; Vailes LD; Benjamin DC; Chapman MD

Address

Asthma and Allergic Disease Center, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.

Source

Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 1995 May-Jun, 107:1-3, 295-7

Abstract

Allergens produced by cockroaches (CRs) are an important cause of IgE antibody responses and asthma. Using molecular cloning and nucleic acid hybridization techniques, we have identified and sequenced several important allergens produced by the German CR (Blattella germanica) and studied their expression in the American CR (Periplaneta americana). Principal allergens include Bla g 2 (36-kD protein) and Bla g 4 (21-kD protein), to which 60-70% of CR-allergic patients make IgE antibodies. Bla g 2 is only expressed by B. germanica, whereas DNA encoding Bla g 4 is present in P. americana, but is not transcribed into mRNA. Sequence homology searches have identified Bla g 2 as an aspartic protease and Bla g 4 as a calycin. Other CR allergens that have been cloned include a glutathione transferase and a troponin. These studies will enable recombinant allergens to be expressed and used to investigate the role of CR allergens in asthma.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

95337760

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|CH/*GE/IM; Aspartic Proteinases|CH/*GE; Cockroaches|GE/*IM

MeSH Heading

Animal; Asthma|ET/IM; Cloning, Molecular; Comparative Study; Crystallography, X-Ray; DNA, Complementary|GE; Genes, Structural, Insect; Human; IgE|IM; Protein Conformation; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Skin Tests; Species Specificity; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

1018-2438

Country of Publication

SWITZERLAND

CAS Registry/EC Number

EC 3.4.23 (Aspartic Proteinases); EC 3.4.23.- (allergen Bla g 2); 0 (allergen Per a I); 0 (Allergens); 0 (DNA, Complementary); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Isolation and characterization of clones encoding cockroach allergens.

Author

Helm R; Crespo JF; Cockrell G; Stanley JS; Brenner RJ; Burks W; Bannon GA

Address

Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.

Source

Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 1995 May-Jun, 107:1-3, 462-3

Abstract

Abstract unavailable online.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

95337842

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*GE/IP; Cockroaches|*GE/IM

MeSH Heading

Animal; Asthma|BL/ET/IM; Cloning, Molecular; Comparative Study; Dermatitis, Atopic|BL/ET/IM; IgE|IM; Molecular Weight; Proteins|GE/IM/IP; Recombinant Proteins|IM

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

1018-2438

Country of Publication

SWITZERLAND

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 0 (Proteins); 0 (Recombinant Proteins); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Dog and cat allergens and asthma among school children in Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA: altitude 7,200 feet.

Author

Platts-Mills TA; Sporik R; Ingram JM; Honsinger R

Address

Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA.

Source

Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 1995 May-Jun, 107:1-3, 301-3

Abstract

A survey of the Middle School in Los Alamos, N.M., USA, identified 57 children with symptoms of asthma and 54 controls. Among these children, sensitization to cat and dog allergens was very strongly associated with bronchial reactivity and symptoms. In contrast, sensitization to mites, cockroach, or grass pollen allergens was not significantly associated with symptoms or bronchial reactivity. In keeping with these results, dust from houses in Los Alamos only contained high levels of cat or dog allergens.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

95337762

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*IM/IP; Asthma|*EP/ET/IM; Cats|*IM; Dogs|*IM

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Altitude; Animal; Case-Control Studies; Child; Cockroaches|IM; Dust|AN; Environmental Exposure; Housing; Human; Humidity; IgE|IM; Mites|IM; New Mexico|EP; Pollen|IM; Prevalence; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

1018-2438

Country of Publication

SWITZERLAND

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Development of cockroach-allergic guinea pig by simple room air contamination.

Author

Kang BC; Kambara T; Yun DK; Hoppe JF; Lai YL

Address

Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0284, USA.

Source

Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 1995 Aug, 107:4, 569-72

Abstract

Asthma is frequently associated with inhalant sensitivities, particularly allergens of indoor environment. The aim of the study is to determine whether an indoor allergen, cockroach (CRa), can induce guinea pig sensitization without adjuvant or special manipulation. Six regimens were used in sensitizing guinea pigs by CRa aerosols: low daily (C-I), low intermittent (C-II), high intermittent (C-III), maximum intermittent (C-IV), high daily (C-V) and high alternate day (C-VI) doses, and results were compared with that of intraperitoneal sensitization (C-VII). Also studied was a role of CRa in the aerosol ovalbumin (OA) sensitization in comparison with placebo and an adjuvant, Al(OH)3. Reaginic guinea pig antibodies, anti-CRa-IgGla-like (IgGla) and IgE-like (IgE), were measured by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). Results show that IgGla was produced only in high-dose aerosol groups, C-V and C-VI, but no IgE in all aerosol groups. The antibody was detected on day 22 (C-V) and day 19 (C-VI) and sustained till day 52 (titers 1:20 to 1:200). The preliminary pulmonary function measurements revealed that the sensitized animals (C-VI) showed a decreased ventilatory function upon CRa challenge. Aerosolized OA sensitization also produced anti-OA-IgGla in high intermittent regimens. In addition, PCA titers (anti-OA-IgGla) in OA-sensitized animals were not influenced by pretreatment with CRa, Al(OH)3, or placebo. Thus, the study indicates that simple aerosolized CRa contamination in a chamber makes guinea pigs cockroach-sensitive and become asthmatic. Yet, CRa does not enhance other allergen sensitization.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

95345741

MeSH Heading (Major)

Air Pollution|*; Allergens|*IM; Cockroaches|*IM

MeSH Heading

Aerosols; Animal; Asthma|ET; Female; Guinea Pigs; Ovalbumin|IM; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

1018-2438

Country of Publication

SWITZERLAND

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Aerosols); 0 (Allergens); 9006-59-1 (Ovalbumin)

Title

Cockroach allergy in Kentucky: a comparison of inner city, suburban, and rural small town populations.

Author

Garcia DP; Corbett ML; Sublett JL; Pollard SJ; Meiners JF; Karibo JM; Pence HL; Petrosko JM

Address

Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky.

Source

Ann Allergy, 1994 Mar, 72:3, 203-8

Abstract

The cockroach has been reported as a major allergen in inner city asthmatic patients. The retrospective chart review of 799 patients tested over a 10-year period (1981-1991) derived from a private allergy practice and a university allergy clinic is reported. Patients from both groups were divided geographically by home zip codes into inner city, suburban, or rural small town populations. Criteria for positive skin tests were wheal greater than 5 mm for prick and greater than 10 mm for intradermal tests with flare. Overall, 36.9% (295/799) of all patients surveyed were positive by either prick or intradermal skin testing. Cockroach reactivity was observed in 38.6% (95/246) of the private patients tested with 36.2% (200/553) of the university patients showing positive results. The inner city populations in both groups of patients were similar with 43.7% and 40.3% of the private and university patients, respectively, testing positive, with an overall positivity of 41% for all inner city patients. Inner city and rural small town populations for both study groups demonstrated almost identical reactivity with 41% and 43% overall positivity, respectively. Of the suburban group, 37.5% of the private patients and 28.8% of the university patients had reactive skin tests results with an overall rate of positivity of 30.1%. This rate (30.1%) is significantly less than the rate for either inner city (41.0%, P < .05) or rural small town (43.6%, P < .01) populations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

94175351

MeSH Heading (Major)

Cockroaches|*IM; Hypersensitivity|*EP

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Aged; Animal; Asthma|DI; Child; Child, Preschool; Comparative Study; Human; Infant; Kentucky|EP; Middle Age; Retrospective Studies; Rural Health; Skin Tests; Urban Health

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0003-4738

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

Title

Cat (Fel d I), dog (Can f I), and cockroach allergens in homes of asthmatic children from three climatic zones in Sweden.

Author

Munir AK; BjÂorkstÆen B; Einarsson R; Schou C; Ekstrand-Tobin A; Warner A; Kjellman NI

Address

Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, LinkÂoping, Sweden.

Source

Allergy, 1994 Aug, 49:7, 508-16

Abstract

We have investigated the levels of cat (Fel d I), dog (Can f I), and cockroach (Per a I) allergens in dust from bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms from 123 homes of asthmatic children in three zones of Sweden with varying climates. Absolute indoor humidity (AIH), relative humidity (RH), rate of ventilation in air changes per hour (ach), and number of airborne particles were also measured. Fel d I, Can f I, and Per a I allergen contents were determined by mab ELISA, and the levels were related to various environmental factors. The major cat allergen, Fel d I, was detected in all homes, and the concentrations varied between 16 ng and 28,000 ng/g fine dust. The dog allergen, Can f I, was detected in 85% of the homes, and the levels varied from 60 ng to 866,000 ng/g dust. Cockroach allergen was detected in only one home (40 ng/g). Fel d I and Can f I allergens were equally distributed geographically. Dust from living rooms contained significantly higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of both Fel d I and Can f I allergens than dust from bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. The levels tended to be higher in homes with poor ventilation (< 0.5 ach) and in homes with wall-to-wall carpets. Significantly higher (P < 0.01) numbers of airborne particles were found in homes with high humidity (i.e., AIH > or = 7 g/kg or RH > or = 45%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

95126259

MeSH Heading (Major)

Air Pollution, Indoor|AE/*AN/PC; Allergens|AE/*AN; Asthma|*IM; Cats|*; Climate|*; Cockroaches|*; Dogs|*; Dust|AE/*AN; Glycoproteins|AE/*AN; Housing|*

MeSH Heading

Air Conditioning; Animal; Child; Environmental Exposure; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Housing, Animal; Human; Humidity; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Sweden

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0105-4538

Country of Publication

DENMARK

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (allergen Can f I); 0 (allergen Fel d I); 0 (allergen Per a I); 0 (Allergens); 0 (Glycoproteins)

Title

What the pulmonologist needs to know about allergy.

Author

Hoover GE; Platts-Mills TA

Address

Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.

Source

Clin Chest Med, 1995 Dec, 16:4, 603-20

Abstract

A majority of children and young adults with asthma are allergic to common allergens in their environment. Over the last 10 years, it has become increasingly clear that chronic exposure to these foreign proteins is an important cause of the chronic eosinophilic inflammation of the lungs that characterizes patients with asthma. The main allergens relevant to asthma are those found indoors, that is, mite, cat, dog, and cockroach. Reducing exposure to these common indoor allergens is an important anti-inflammatory treatment for asthma; furthermore, the techniques of avoidance are increasingly well defined and allergen specific.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96157405

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*; Asthma|*IM/TH

MeSH Heading

Adult; Animal; Cats; Child; Cockroaches; Dogs; Human; Immunotherapy; Mites; Pollen; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW LITERATURE

ISSN

0272-5231

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens)

Title

Allergens and asthma.

Author

Duff AL; Platts-Mills TA

Address

Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville.

Source

Pediatr Clin North Am, 1992 Dec, 39:6, 1277-91

Abstract

This article presents the studies that show that asthma in children is strongly associated with sensitization to dust mite and other indoor allergens. In addition, the recent evidence that this association reflects a causal relationship between allergen exposure and asthma is reviewed. The relevance of quantitative measurements of the major indoor allergens (dust mite, cockroach, and cat) in the houses of children with asthma is discussed. Finally, the increasing evidence that avoidance measures can be an effective treatment for asthma is considered together with the details about avoidance protocol for dust mite and cat allergen.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

93064908

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*AE; Asthma|*ET/TH

MeSH Heading

Animal; Cats; Child; Child, Preschool; Cockroaches; Food Hypersensitivity|CO; Human; Mites

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0031-3955

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens)

Title

[Demonstration of major cockroach allergens in house dust by the ELISA test (letter)]

Author

De Blay F; Kassel O; Chapman M; Ott M; Verot A; Pauli G

Source

Presse Med, 1992 Oct 24, 21:35, 1685

Abstract

Abstract unavailable online.

Language of Publication

LA=FRE

Unique Identifier

93126229

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*IM; Cockroaches|*IM; Dust|*AE; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay|*/MT

MeSH Heading

Adult; Animal; Asthma|IM; Female; Human; Male; Middle Age; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial|IM

Publication Type

LETTER

ISSN

0755-4982

Country of Publication

FRANCE

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens)

Title

Sensitization to cockroach allergens of asthma patients in Japan.

Author

Sakaguchi M; Inouye S; Miyazawa H; Okabe T; Yasueda H; Muto A; Tanaka I; Akasaka T; Wu CH; Chapman MD; et al

Address

Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Health, Tokyo.

Source

Arerugi, 1994 Dec, 43:11, 1309-15

Abstract

To evaluate the role of allergens from Periplaneta fuliginosa, which is the most predominant cockroach species in homes in Tokyo areas, for asthma sensitization, we measured specific IgE antibodies to two cockroaches, P. fuliginosa and Blattella germanica, and to a mite, Dermatophagoides farinae, in 171 sera from children with asthma by Pharmacia's CAP system. We found that 16% of the sera had anti-P. fuliginosa IgE, whereas 9.9% had anti-B. germanica and 85% anti-D. farinae IgE. Further, we measured the levels of Per f I (Per a I equivalent) allergen in the house dust from living room, kitchen and bedding. We detected the allergen in eight of ten homes. The Per a I equivalent levels in kitchen were higher than in other sites, but they were much lower than Der I and Der II as Dermatophagoides allergens.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

95194204

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*IM; Asthma|*IM; Immunization|*; Periplaneta|*IM

MeSH Heading

Animal; Human; IgE|BL; Japan

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0021-4884

Country of Publication

JAPAN

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Quantitative assessment of exposure to dog (Can f 1) and cat (Fel d 1) allergens: relation to sensitization and asthma among children living in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Author

Ingram JM; Sporik R; Rose G; Honsinger R; Chapman MD; Platts-Mills TA

Address

University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA.

Source

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1995 Oct, 96:4, 449-56

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to identify the allergens associated with asthma among schoolchildren in an area of the United States where dust mite growth is expected to be poor. Los Alamos, N.M., was chosen because it has low rainfall and is at high altitude (7200 feet) making it very dry. One hundred eleven children (12 to 14 years old) from the middle school who had been previously classified according to bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine (BHR) were studied. METHODS: Sera were assayed for IgE antibodies to mite, cat, dog, cockroach, Russian thistle, and grass pollen, with both CAP system fluoroimmunoassay (Kabi Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden) and conventional RAST. Allergens were measured in dust samples from 108 homes with two-site assays for mite (Der p 1 and Der f 1), cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1), and cockroach (Bla g 2). RESULTS: Concentrations of dog and cat allergens were elevated in almost all houses with pets but were also high in a significant proportion of the houses without pets. Levels of mite allergen were less than 2 micrograms/gm in 95% of the houses, and cockroach was undetectable in all but two of the houses. Among the 21 with BHR who had symptoms, 67% had IgE antibody to dog and 62% had IgE antibody to cat. For these allergens IgE antibody was strongly associated with asthma (p < 0.001). By contrast, the presence of IgE antibody to mite, cockroach, or grass pollen was not significantly associated with asthma. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of IgE antibody to cat and dog allergens among these children is in keeping with the presence of cat and/or dog allergen in most of the houses. Furthermore, sensitization (as judged by IgE antibodies) to cat and dog allergens was strongly associated with asthma. On the other hand, no clear relationship was found between sensitization or symptoms and the current level of allergen in individual houses. The results show that in this mite-and cockroach-free environment sensitization to domestic animals was the most significant association with asthma.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96013592

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*IM; Asthma|*IM; Glycoproteins|*IM; Immunization|*

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Air Pollution, Indoor; Animal; Antibodies|AN; Cats; Child; Dogs; Environmental Exposure; Human; IgE|AN/IM; New Mexico; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0091-6749

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (allergen Can f I); 0 (allergen Fel d I); 0 (Allergens); 0 (Antibodies); 0 (Glycoproteins); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Sensitization and exposure to indoor allergens as risk factors for asthma among patients presenting to hospital.

Author

Gelber LE; Seltzer LH; Bouzoukis JK; Pollart SM; Chapman MD; Platts-Mills TA

Address

Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908.

Source

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1993 Mar, 147:3, 573-8

Abstract

To investigate the role of indoor allergens in adult patients with acute asthma, we conducted a case-controlled study on patients presenting to an emergency room. One hundred and fourteen patients and 114 control subjects were enrolled over a 1-yr period in Wilmington, Delaware. Sera were assayed for total IgE, and for IgE antibodies to dust mites, cat dander, cockroach, grass pollen, and ragweed pollen. Dust was obtained from 186 homes and assayed for dust mite, cat, and cockroach allergens. IgE antibodies to mite, cat, and cockroach were each significantly associated with asthma, and this association was very strong among participants without medical insurance and among African Americans. Among 99 uninsured participants, sensitization to one of the indoor allergens (> 200 RAST units) was present in 28 of 57 asthmatics and in one of 42 control subjects (odds ratio, 39; confidence interval, 9.4 to 166). For cat and cockroach the combination of sensitization and presence of allergen in the house was significantly associated with asthma. Furthermore, there was a strong inverse relationship between IgE antibodies to cat and to cockroach, and the risk of this sensitization was in large part restricted to homes or areas with high levels of allergen. Thirty-eight percent of the asthmatics, but only 8% of the control subjects, were allergic to one of the three indoor allergens, and had high levels of the relevant allergen in their houses (odds ratio, 7.4; confidence interval, 3.3 to 16.5).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

93182851

MeSH Heading (Major)

Air Pollution, Indoor|*AE/AN; Allergens|*AE/AN; Asthma|*EP/ET/IM; Emergency Service, Hospital|*/SN; Immunization|*

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Comparative Study; Delaware|EP; Female; Human; IgE|BL; Male; Middle Age; Odds Ratio; Poverty Areas; Risk Factors; Suburban Population|SN; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; Urban Population|SN

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0003-0805

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Risk factors for asthma in inner city children [see comments]

Author

Call RS; Smith TF; Morris E; Chapman MD; Platts-Mills TA

Address

Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.

Source

J Pediatr, 1992 Dec, 121:6, 862-6

Abstract

Inner city children have the highest prevalence and the highest mortality rates for asthma in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sensitization and exposure to common indoor allergens among children aged 3 years to 15 years seen for treatment of asthma at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Ga. Eighty children in this study were enrolled in the emergency department and 64 in hospital clinics. Dust from 57 homes, assayed for three indoor allergens (dust mite, cat, and cockroach), revealed similar exposure for asthma and control groups. Sixty-nine percent of the children with asthma had IgE antibodies to dust mite, cockroach, or cat; only 27% of the control subjects were similarly sensitized (p < 0.001). Of 35 children with asthma 21 had both sensitization and significant exposure to the relevant allergen; this was true for only 3 of 22 control subjects (odds ratio, 9.5; p < 0.001). Neither sensitization nor exposure to cat allergen was common in this population. The results show that black children in inner city Atlanta are exposed to high levels of mite and cockroach allergens and that a high proportion of the children with asthma are sensitized to these allergens; the combination of sensitization and exposure is a major risk factor for asthma in this population.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

93078107

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|*EP/IM; Poverty|*/SN; Urban Population|*/SN

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Allergens|AN; Antibody Specificity; Blacks|SN; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; Child, Preschool; Comparative Study; Dust|AN; Georgia|EP; Human; IgE|BL; Immunization|SN; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Methods; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0022-3476

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Utility of additional skin testing in "nonallergic" asthma [see comments]

Author

Sue MA; Gordon EH; Freund LH

Address

Department of Allergy, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Panorama City.

Source

Ann Allergy, 1992 May, 68:5, 395-7

Abstract

It has been suggested that asthma almost always as an allergic basis. In this study we tried to determine whether an additional limited skin test panel would be useful in revealing hidden allergies in our "nonallergic" asthmatic patients. In 127 consecutive asthmatic adults, a survey panel of seven tests (rat, mouse, cockroach, Helminthosporium, Chaetomium, Pullularia, and Penicillium) was used in addition to our routine skin test panel (local pollens, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Hormodendrum, dog; and standardized cat, D. pteronyssinus, and D. farinae). On the basis of the routine test panel, 111 patients (87%) were allergic and 16 patients (13%) were nonallergic. Only one nonallergic patient (6%) had any positive survey test results (to cockroach only) while 69 allergic patients (62%) had at least one positive survey test result (p less than .00002). With the possible exception of cockroach, additional skin testing with our survey panel to search for hidden allergies in otherwise nonallergic asthmatic adults is not worthwhile.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

92264514

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|*IM; Skin Tests|MT/*UT

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Female; Human; Male; Middle Age

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0003-4738

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

Title

Cloning of cockroach allergen, Bla g 4, identifies ligand binding proteins (or calycins) as a cause of IgE antibody responses.

Author

Arruda LK; Vailes LD; Hayden ML; Benjamin DC; Chapman MD

Address

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.

Source

J Biol Chem, 1995 Dec 29, 270:52, 31196-201

Abstract

An allergen cloned from a Blattella germanica (German cockroach) cDNA library, encoded a 182-amino acid protein of 20,904 Da. This protein, designated B. germanica allergen 4 (Bla g 4), was expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The prevalence of serum IgE antibody to recombinant Bla g 4 in 73 cockroach allergic patients with asthma ranged from 40% (antigen binding radioimmunoassay) to 60% (plaque immunoassay). Cockroach allergic patients gave positive intradermal skin tests to recombinant Bla g 4 at concentrations of 10(-3)-10(-5) micrograms/ml, whereas non-allergic controls, or cockroach allergic patients with no detectable serum IgE antibody to Bla g 4, gave negative skin tests to 1 microgram/ml. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern analysis identified a 523-base pair DNA encoding Bla g 4 in both B. germanica and Periplaneta americana (American cockroach). However, Northern analysis showed that mRNA encoding Bla g 4 was transcribed in B. germanica but not in P. americana, suggesting that allergen expression was species specific. Sequence similarity searches showed that Bla g 4 was a ligand binding protein or calycin and unexpectedly revealed that this family contained several important allergens: beta-lactoglobulin, from cow milk, and rat and mouse urinary proteins. Although the overall sequence homology between these proteins was low (approximately 20%), macromolecular modeling techniques were used to generate two models of the tertiary structure of Bla g 4, based on comparisons with the x-ray crystal coordinates of bilin binding protein and rodent urinary proteins. The results show that members of the calycin protein family can cause IgE antibody responses by inhalation or ingestion and are associated with asthma and food hypersensitivity.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96125103 GENBANK/U40767

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|CH/*GE/ME; Carrier Proteins|CH/*GE/ME; IgE|*BI; Proteins|*ME

MeSH Heading

Amino Acid Sequence; Animal; Antibody Formation; Base Sequence; Cloning, Molecular; Cockroaches; DNA, Complementary; Human; Mice; Models, Molecular; Molecular Sequence Data; Rats; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0021-9258

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 0 (Blatella germanica allergen 4); 0 (Carrier Proteins); 0 (DNA, Complementary); 0 (Proteins); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Asthma, allergy, and atopy in three south-east Asian populations.

Author

Leung R; Ho P

Address

Department of Respiratory Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.

Source

Thorax, 1994 Dec, 49:12, 1205-10

Abstract

BACKGROUND--Whilst many recent reports have suggested a rise in the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in Western countries, little is known about the epidemiology of these common conditions in south-east Asia. This study compared the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease amongst secondary school students in three south-east Asian populations--Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, and San Bu in China--and investigated the associations with atopy and family history. METHODS--Secondary school students were given standard questionnaires on respiratory and allergic symptoms for completion by parents with response rates of 89.2% in Hong Kong (611 male, 451 female; mean (SD) age = 13.9 (1.8 years), 87.6% in Kota Kinabalu (134 male, 275 female; 15.5 (2.1) years), and 98.6% in San Bu (492 male, 245 female; 16.4 (1.8) years). Skin tests were performed in a subsample of students to determine atopic status. RESULTS--The respective prevalence (and 95% CI) for hayfever, eczema, and wheeze or asthma were 15.7% (13.5, 17.9), 20.1% (17.7, 22.5), 11.6% (9.3, 13.9) in Hong Kong, 11.2% (8.2, 14.3), 7.6% (5.0, 10.1), 8.2% (5.5, 10.9) in Kota Kinabalu, and 2.1% (1.2, 3.1), 7.2% (5.4, 9.1), 1.9% (0.7, 3.1) in San Bu. Atopy was common and was present in 49.0-63.9% of subjects in the three populations. Dust mite and cockroach were the commonest allergens that gave positive reactions in 42.8-60.5% and 25.7-35.9% of students respectively. A higher proportion of students in Hong Kong had severe degree of reactivity on skin test than the other two populations. Family history was associated with asthma and allergic symptoms in the three populations conferring a 3-80-fold increase in risk to family members and was a stronger predictor for asthma and allergy than atopy. CONCLUSIONS--Prevalence of asthma and allergic disease is low compared with Western countries, but considerable differences exist between the three south-east Asian populations despite similar rates of atopy. Asthma and allergic disease are more strongly associated with family history than atopy, which suggests that genetic and environmental factors common to the family, other than aeroallergen sensitisation, are important in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergy in the region.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

95184101

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|*EP; Hypersensitivity|*EP

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Child; China|EP; Comparative Study; Dermatitis, Atopic|EP; Female; Hay Fever|EP; Hong Kong|EP; Human; Hypersensitivity, Immediate|EP; Malaysia|EP; Male; Prevalence; Skin Tests

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0040-6376

Country of Publication

ENGLAND

Title

Asthma, allergy and atopy in Asian immigrants in Melbourne.

Author

Leung RC; Carlin JB; Burdon JG; Czarny D

Address

St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Vic.

Source

Med J Aust, 1994 Oct 3, 161:7, 418-25

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of asthma, hay fever and atopy in Asian immigrants in Melbourne with that in Australian-born non-Asians and Australian-born Asians, and to investigate the association of these conditions with atopic status, length of stay in Australia and IgE levels in Asian immigrants. DESIGN: We performed a cross-sectional study by telephone interviews, using standard questionnaire items on respiratory and allergic symptoms. A random sample of 636 recent Asian immigrants of ethnic Chinese origin, 109 Australian-born Asians and 424 Australian-born non-Asians were selected from the 1991 Melbourne Telephone Directory, using a presumptive surname list. Skin tests to determine atopic status were performed on 269 Asian immigrants and 167 of these also had serum levels of total and specific IgE estimated. RESULTS: In the under 20 years age group the prevalence of wheeze or asthma ever was higher in Australian-born non-Asians and Australian-born Asians than in Asian immigrants (P < 0.001), and the prevalence of hay fever was higher in Asian immigrants and Australian-born Asians than in Australian-born non-Asians. In those older than 20 years, hay fever was almost twice as common in Asian immigrants as in Australian-born non-Asians (P < 0.001 for 20-40 years age group; P < 0.01 for > 40 years). The prevalence of hay fever and, to a lesser degree, asthma in Asian immigrants increased significantly with length of stay in Australia, independent of age at arrival, sex and atopic status (trend test: P < 0.001 for hay fever; P = 0.05 for asthma). Atopy was more common in Asian immigrants and Australian-born Asians than in Australian-born non-Asians (P < 0.001) and was very strongly associated with both hay fever and asthma, irrespective of length of stay. Pollen and mite sensitivities were more common in Asian subjects (twice as common for Asian-born and 1.5 times for Australian-born) than non-Asian subjects (P < 0.01). Among Asian immigrants, elevated total IgE level (> 100 IU/mL) was strongly associated with a history of hay fever (P < 0.01) and wheeze or asthma ever (P < 0.05), atopy (P < 0.001) and the presence of specific IgE antibodies to grass pollen, dust mite, cockroach and Ascaris antigens (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: We found substantial differences in the prevalence of asthma, hay fever and atopy between Asian immigrants, Australian-born Asians and non-Asians. The prevalence of hay fever and asthma in Asian immigrants was strongly associated with length of stay in Australia, suggesting that environmental factors are important in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

95020833

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|EH/*EP/IM; Emigration and Immigration|*SN; Hay Fever|EH/*EP/IM; Hypersensitivity, Immediate|EH/*EP/IM

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Aged; Asia|EH; Australia|EP; Child; Child, Preschool; Comparative Study; Cross-Sectional Studies|CROSS SECTIONAL STUDIES; Female; Human; IgE|AN; Male; Middle Age; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Skin Tests; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0025-729X

Country of Publication

AUSTRALIA

CAS Registry/EC Number

37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

The non-drug treatment of asthma.

Author

Liang AY

Address

Pediatrician of Auckland Children's Hospital, New Zealand.

Source

Acta Paediatr Sin, 1995 Nov-Dec, 36:6, 401-4

Abstract

Anti-asthma medication alone cannot be considered a complete treatment for asthma. Drugs have not made an impact on asthma mortality, yet may cause significant side-effects. Minimising exposure to environmental allergens decreases the severity of asthma attacks and therefore decreases the amount of medication required and the likelihood of side-effects. The identification, avoidance and elimination of allergens should therefore play a central role in the management of any child with asthma. Studies in Asia and Europe have shown a positive correlation between affluence, indoor pollution, and the prevalence of asthma. There is evidence to suggest a relationship between exposure to allergens before the age of 1 year and later allergen sensitivity, through the promotion of TH2 cell dominance. Of particular importance are maternal smoking, house dust mites and cockroach allergens. The methods for reducing house dust mite exposure are many and varied and include acaricides, encasement of bedding material, vacuuming, exposure to sunlight, dehumidification, hot washing and air filtration.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96165944

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|ET/*PC

MeSH Heading

Allergens|AE; Child; Child, Preschool; Environmental Exposure|PC; Female; Human; Infant; Pregnancy; Smoking|AE; Th2 Cells|IM

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL

ISSN

0001-6578

Country of Publication

TAIWAN

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens)

Title

Identification of low molecular weight allergens of American cockroach and production of monoclonal antibodies.

Author

Wu CH; Hsieh MJ; Huang JH; Luo SF

Address

Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, Republic of China.

Source

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 1996 Feb, 76:2, 195-203

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified two allergic fractions (Cr-PI and Cr-PII) from crude American cockroach extract, from which the 72- and 78-kilodalton (kD) components of Cr-PI have been identified as major allergens. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify important allergens in Cr-PII and produce monoclonal antibodies. METHODS: Sera of cockroach-sensitive atopic patients were examined for IgE binding to Cr-PII proteins and monoclonal antibodies were generated by fusion between spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with Cr-PII and FO cells. RESULTS: Immunoblotting revealed that eight allergenic compounds in Cr-PII are able to bind specific IgE. Allergens of 18, 28, 32 and 45 kD bound 16.7% (2/12), 100% (12/12), 83.3% (11/12), and 100% (12/12) of the atopic sera tested, respectively. Cell fusion resulted in three stable subclones secreting monoclonal antibodies, and none of the monoclonal antibodies recognized any epitopes of German cockroach and Cr-PI of American cockroach. One monoclonal antibody reacted strongly with the 28- and 32-kD allergens of Cr-PII, and two monoclonal antibodies were able to bind the 18- and 12-kD components of Cr-PII with similar epitope specificities. All the epitopes defined by monoclonal antibodies are recognized by human IgE as demonstrated by a fluoroallergosorbent test (FAST) inhibition assay. Five commercial cockroach extracts were compared for Cr-PII levels by monoclonal antibody-base ELISA, and all extracts were found to contain detectable Cr-PII. CONCLUSION: The 28-, 32-, and 45-kD components of Cr-PII may be considered as additional important allergens of American cockroach and monoclonal antibodies can be used to identify and define American cockroach allergens.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96173286

MeSH Heading (Major)

Allergens|*AN/CH/IM; Antibodies, Monoclonal|*BI/CH; Periplaneta|*IM

MeSH Heading

Animal; Antibody Specificity; Binding Sites, Antibody; Epitopes|IM; Human; IgE|CH; Mice; Molecular Weight; Skin Tests|AE; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

1081-1206

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens); 0 (Antibodies, Monoclonal); 0 (Binding Sites, Antibody); 0 (Epitopes); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Evaluation of household dust mite exposure and levels of specific IgE and IgG antibodies in asthmatic patients enrolled in a trial of immunotherapy.

Author

Rose G; Arlian L; Bernstein D; Grant A; Lopez M; Metzger J; Wasserman S; Platts-Mills TA

Address

Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.

Source

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1996 May, 97:5, 1071-8

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Monitoring the response to immunotherapy entails understanding exposure to relevant allergens. For the major indoor allergens, this requires sampling of dust from the patient's house. The objectives of this study were to measure indoor allergen levels during a controlled trial of dust mite immunotherapy for asthma and to relate these results to serum antibody levels. METHODS: Eighty-eight asthmatic patients with mite allergy from seven geographic areas in the United States were enrolled in and completed a course of immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides extract or placebo control. Sensitization was evaluated by quantitative measurements of IgG and IgE antibodies. Dust samples were assayed for group I mite (Der p 1 and Der f 1), cat (Fel d 1), and cockroach (Bla g 1) allergens by monoclonal antibody-based ELISA. RESULTS: Over the 4 years of the study, each of the houses had at least one sample that contained more than 2 micrograms of group I mite allergen per gram of dust. Mean mite allergen levels, however, varied over a wide range, from 0.2 microgram/gm or less to more than 50 micrograms/gm. IgE antibodies to mite were present in sera from 78% of the patients, whereas IgE antibodies to cat and cockroach allergens were found in sera from 34% and 11% of patients, respectively. Sixty-four percent of the patients had exposure and sensitization to mite, whereas the comparable figure for each of the other allergens was 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Examination of the results suggested that allergen exposure, relative to a trial of immunotherapy, could be expressed as (1) the maximum level found in the house, (2) the percentage of sites having greater than 2 micrograms/gm, or (3) the mean value at the site with the maximum level. This report provides a background for evaluating the clinical results of immunotherapy in these patients and a model for the way in which sensitization and exposure should be monitored in studies of this kind.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

96212665

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|*IM/*TH; Dust|*AE; Glycoproteins|*AE/*IM; IgE|*BL; IgG|*BL; Mites|*IM

MeSH Heading

Adolescence; Adult; Air Pollution, Indoor|AE; Animal; Antibody Specificity; Cats; Female; Human; Immunization; Male; Middle Age; Skin Tests; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

ISSN

0091-6749

Country of Publication

UNITED STATES

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Dermatophagoides allergens); 0 (Glycoproteins); 0 (IgG); 37341-29-0 (IgE)

Title

Monitoring allergen exposure in asthma: new treatment strategies.

Author

Chapman MD; Heymann PW; Sporik RB; Platts-Mills TA

Address

Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA.

Source

Allergy, 1995, 50:25 Suppl, 29-33

Abstract

The development of monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technology for measuring environmental allergen exposure has provided a benchmark for assessing the role of indoor allergens in causing asthma and other allergic diseases. Epidemiological studies from several parts of the world have shown that immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated sensitization to indoor allergens (mite, cat, dog and cockroach) is a risk factor for asthma attacks. A dose-response relationship between allergen exposure and sensitization has been demonstrated for mite allergens, and threshold values for exposure levels leading to sensitization or to exacerbations of symptoms have been defined. Comparative studies on airborne allergen levels have made it possible to determine the properties of aeroallergen particles, their concentration in indoor air, and the relationship to clinical symptoms. Together, these studies provide strong evidence that allergen exposure plays a causal role in the development of bronchial hyperreactivity and of the chronic inflammatory responses seen in patients with asthma. Logically, the primary preventive treatment should be allergen avoidance. Through knowledge of indoor allergen levels, both in dust and in the air, different avoidance strategies have been applied to the various indoor allergens, and there is increasing evidence of their clinical efficacy. Monitoring allergen levels in patients' houses should improve their understanding of the role of allergens in asthma and improve compliance with avoidance measures.

Language of Publication

LA=ENG

Unique Identifier

95407723

MeSH Heading (Major)

Asthma|EP/IM/*TH; Environmental Monitoring|*

MeSH Heading

Allergens|AN; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Human; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Publication Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL

ISSN

0105-4538

Country of Publication

DENMARK

CAS Registry/EC Number

0 (Allergens)

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