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The relation between Cimex lectularius antigen and bronchial asthma in Egypt
E M Abou Gamra1, F A el Shayed, T A Morsy
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) in house dust can trigger asthma symptoms. Asthmatic patients showed higher positive skin reactions to bedbug extracts compared to controls, suggesting a link.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- House dust is a known asthma trigger.
- Cimex lectularius (bedbug) is a common component of house dust.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Cimex lectularius extracts in bronchial asthma.
- To assess the association between bedbug sensitization and asthma severity.
Main Methods:
- Skin testing with common environmental inhalant antigens and Cimex extracts (head/thorax and abdomen) in 54 asthmatic patients and 11 controls.
- Precipitin tests were also performed using Cimex extracts.
Main Results:
- Positive skin reactions to Cimex antigens were significantly higher in asthmatic patients (37.1% to 50.1%) compared to controls (9.1% to 18.2%).
- A significant association was found between asthmatic patients' positive reactions to Cimex abdominal extract and cotton dust extract.
- Precipitin tests yielded negative results in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Cimex lectularius sensitization may play a role in bronchial asthma.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical significance of bedbug allergy in asthma management.