title: Cockroach allergy.
abstract: The ubiquitous existence of cockroaches and the large-scale domestic infestation seen in inner cities make cockroach proteins a significant indoor allergen and a risk factor for asthma among inner-city residents. Studies have shown that early exposure to high levels of allergen may lead to the development of asthma in individuals with a genetic predisposition to asthma. Although field trials at cockroach abatement do not yield promising results, integrated pest management still remains the best control strategy. In highly susceptible or symptomatic patients, allergen-specific immunotherapy may be beneficial, although data are limited. As molecular techniques improve and recombinant allergens are developed, a more novel form of T-cell-specific immunotherapy may prove to be efficacious without the anaphylactic side effects seen with traditional allergy vaccines.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA. Katialr@njc.org
authors.forename: Rohit K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Katial
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology*; D002965:Classification; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007300:Insect Control; D011634:Public Health; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens