[IgE-dependent hypersensitivity to the cockroach in children. Mesologic approach]

CAP-RAST* i6 was systematically performed in sera of 400 children and adolescents admitted in an allergy unit. The frequency of this sensitisation was 0.238 among allergic subjects. In the whole population discriminant factors were 1) the age of the patient, 2) clinical asthma. A case-control study revealed: 1.) more marked atopic criteria (house dust mite and/or timothy grass pollen associated sensitizations; increased IgE level); 2.) sociologic factors: popular housing and immigrant families. It was already stated that these immigrant populations had enhanced predisposition to develop asthma. This propensity, reinforced by unfavourable environment, indicates immigrant families as high risk population for respiratory allergy.