COCKROACH
HYPERSENSITIVITY IN TURKISH CHILDREN
A. Tuncer, Y. Saraclar,
A. Yilmaz, B. Sekerel, G. Adalioglu
Hacettepe University
Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Alleregy and Asthma Department, Ankara,
Turkey
Cochroach allergen is one the causes of exacerbations of bronchial
asthma and allergic rhinitis. Although it is believed that cockroach
sensitivity is common in Turkey, there is not any study conducted only
among Turkish children. That is why we performed a study in 337 children
(2-16 years) with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Children were allocated
from our pediatric allergy and asthma outpatient clinic. Besides common
inhalant allergens, patients were skin prick tested with 2 cockroach
allergens; Blatella germanica (Bg) and Periplaneta americana (Pa).
Additionally total IgE of all patients and specific IgE against Bg of
randomly selected 64 patients were serologically investigated. In our study
group 77% of the patients were considered as atopic. The most common indoor
and outdoor allergens were house dust mite (42.8%) and grass polens
(44.7%). Sensitivity to Bg and Pa were 9.6 % and 16.7 % respectively. 30%
of the cockroach sensitive patients were allergic to both cockroach
antigens and 70% of cockroach sensitive patients were also sensitive to house-dust
mite. Atopic children who was born in winter showed more sensitivity to Bg
antigen. Comparison of the 5 different geographical region of Turkey showed
that most of the patients who were coming from Middle Anatolian and Black
Sea regions were more commonly sensitive to cockroach. There was a weak
correlation between cockroach prick test and specific IgE results.
In conclusion cockroach especially Bg is an important inhalant
allergen for Turkish children. Geographical and seasonal factors may affect
cockroach sensitivity.