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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Application of Biochip Microfluidic Technology to Detect Serum Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE)
Published on: April 21, 2019
Cross-reactivity between cockroach and ladybug using the radioallergosorbent test.
Matthew T Clark1, Todd Levin, William Dolen
1Section of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA. mkclark6@bellsouth.net
Summary
Ten percent of the general population shows sensitization to ladybugs, with some cross-reactivity to cockroaches. This highlights the need for careful interpretation of allergy tests for ladybug exposure.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Allergology
Background:
- Harmonia axyridis (ladybug) infestations are common in the US, leading to reported IgE-mediated sensitization and allergic disease.
- Previous studies on ladybug sensitization relied on questionnaires and allergy testing in diagnosed patients.
- Cross-reactivity between ladybugs and cockroaches has been noted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of specific IgE antibodies to ladybugs in the general population using a specific IgE immunoassay.
- To investigate potential cross-reactivity between ladybugs and cockroaches.
Main Methods:
- A solid-phase immunoassay was developed using a ladybug extract.
- Serum samples from 100 adult blood bank donors were tested for ladybug-specific IgE.
- Inhibition assays were used to assess cross-reactivity with German cockroach using known positive samples.
Main Results:
- The immunoassay demonstrated reliable performance characteristics with a cutoff of 0.1 kUa/L.
- Ten out of 100 blood donor serum samples (10%) tested positive for ladybug-specific IgE.
- Partial cross-reactivity was observed between ladybug and German cockroach allergens.
Conclusions:
- The developed immunoassay can identify individuals sensitized to ladybug epitopes in the general population.
- Clinicians should be aware that positive results from whole-body ladybug extract allergy tests may not always indicate sensitization to actual ladybug allergens.
- Further research may be needed to differentiate specific allergen sources in cases of suspected ladybug allergy.
