Allergy to miscellaneous household arthropods

Of the various arthropods, humans have the greatest contact with mites and cockroaches, and as a result, allergies to these two groups have been the most frequently reported. Changes in lifestyle and living environment have encouraged the growth of arthropods other than mites and cockroaches, and consequently, human exposure to antigens derived from the new arthropods has increased. Although systematic approaches to and immunobiochemical studies of these arthropods are relatively sparse compared with those of mites and cockroaches, recent reports have shown that many species of household arthropods can elicit IgE-mediated reactions via inhalation, biting, or stinging. In this chapter, we review the other arthropods that can induce allergic reaction to human beings. Where the information exists, the frequency of sensitivity and clinical manifestation, and the characterization of the allergens are also reviewed. Virtually all species of arthropods may be sources of allergens that can sensitize and induce IgE-mediated allergic reactions in humans.