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Cockroach allergy and exposure to cockroach allergen in Polish children with asthma
I Stelmach1, J Jerzynska, W Stelmach
1Department of Pediatrics and Allergy, M Curie Hospital, Zgierz, Poland.
Insights
Cockroach (CR) allergen exposure is a significant factor in childhood asthma severity in Poland. Children with CR hypersensitivity more frequently experience severe asthma and exhibit poorer lung function compared to those with other allergies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Allergy
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Childhood asthma morbidity is rising globally.
- Indoor allergens, including cockroach (CR) allergen, are key contributors to asthma exacerbations.
- Understanding allergen prevalence and impact is crucial for effective asthma management in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cockroach allergen sensitivity in Polish children with asthma.
- To investigate the association between CR allergen exposure and asthma severity.
- To compare asthma severity in children allergic to CR versus other common allergens.
Main Methods:
- One hundred sixty asthmatic children underwent skin prick tests (SPT) for common and CR allergens.
- Spirometry and histamine provocation tests were performed to assess lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness.
- Specific IgE levels to CR and Bla g 2 concentrations in homes were measured for sensitized children.
Main Results:
- Cockroach allergen sensitivity was found in 24.3% of children, with dust mite and pollen allergies being more common.
- Children with CR sensitivity showed significantly higher rates of severe asthma (61%) and poorer lung function (lower FEV1 and PC20 values).
- The cockroach allergen Bla g 2 was detected in 55.13% of homes, with higher levels in older, poorly heated, and lower-income households.
Conclusions:
- Cockroach allergen is an important sensitizer in Polish children with asthma.
- Elevated Bla g 2 levels in homes correlate with specific housing characteristics.
- CR hypersensitivity is linked to more severe asthma and worse respiratory function in pediatric populations.
Background:
Asthma morbidity increases every year, especially among children, and exposure to high levels of indoor allergens is a very important factor. We evaluated the prevalence and exposure to cockroach (CR) allergen in asthmatic children in Poland, and also tested the hypothesis that asthma with allergy to CR is more severe than with allergy to other antigens.
Methods:
One hundred and sixty children with asthma were examined, had skin prick tests (SPT) with common and CR allergens, underwent spirometry, and provocation tests to histamine. Children with positive SPT to CR had measured specific IgE levels to this antigen and Bla g 2 concentrations were measured in their homes.
Results:
The most common allergen, was dust mite 51.3%, followed by pollen 48.8% and CR allergen 24.3%. In children with CR sensitivity, 13% had mild asthma, 26% moderate and 61% had severe asthma. Their levels for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and the provocative concentration of histamine that caused a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20), were statistically lower than in the group of children with other than CR allergies. Bla g 2 antigen was detected in 55.13% samples. The highest levels of Bla g 2 were found in old houses, without central heating, and in houses with lower income.
Conclusion:
In Polish children, CR allergen is a very important factor of sensitivity. Concentrations of Bla g 2 in homes are higher than previously reported in other European countries, and are strongly related to the houses' characteristics. Also, children with CR hypersensitivity have severe asthma more often than children with other allergies.