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Published on: November 24, 2017
Cockroach allergen reduction by cockroach control alone in low-income urban homes: a randomized control trial
Michelle L Sever1, Samuel J Arbes, J Chad Gore
1Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Background:
We previously reported significant reductions in cockroach allergen concentrations in urban homes by reducing cockroach infestations.
Objective:
To determine the effectiveness of pest control performed by professional entomologists, compared with commercial companies, in reducing cockroach allergen.
Methods:
This 3-arm randomized controlled trial enrolled 60 cockroach-infested homes in North Carolina. Homes were randomly assigned to a control group or 1 of 2 treatment groups. Treatment 1 had insecticide baits placed by entomologists from North Carolina State University. Treatment 2 received pest control from a randomly assigned commercial company. Vacuumed dust sampling and cockroach trapping were conducted at 0, 6, and 12 months. Dust samples were analyzed by ELISA.
Results:
In treatment 1 homes, there were significant reductions in geometric mean trap counts compared with control and treatment 2 homes at 12 months. Relative to control, significant 12-month reductions in Bla g 1 were evident in treatment 1 homes at all sampled sites, except bedroom floor. From baseline to month 12, geometric mean Bla g 1 concentrations (U/g) decreased from 64.2 to 5.6 in kitchen, 10.6 to 1.1 in living room, 10.7 to 1.9 on bedroom floor, and 3.6 to 2.3 in bed. Treatment 2 homes showed no significant 12-month allergen reductions versus control.
Conclusion:
Reductions in Bla g 1 in cockroach-infested homes can be achieved by reducing infestations; however, the magnitude of allergen reduction is dependent on the thoroughness and effectiveness of cockroach eradication efforts.
Clinical Implications:
Elimination of cockroaches is an effective method for reducing exposure to cockroach allergen.
