Cockroach allergen reduction by cockroach control alone in low-income urban homes: a randomized control trial.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Elimination of cockroaches is an effective method for reducing exposure to cockroach allergen.
Sever
Michelle L
ML
Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Arbes
Samuel J
SJ
Gore
J Chad
JC
Santangelo
Richard G
RG
Vaughn
Ben
B
Mitchell
Herman
H
Schal
Coby
C
Zeldin
Darryl C
DC
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000276:immunology*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D007182:Income; D007300:Insect Control / Q000191:economics; D014505:Urban Population