Detection of American Cockroach Allergens as Environmental Markers Using Rapid Competitive Lateral Flow Tests

It is known that sensitization to cockroach allergens is not only associated with the development of allergic diseases, but also with increasing severity and mortality of asthma. Additionally, the levels of cockroach allergens in settled household dust are associated with airway sensitization and asthma morbidity,1,2 making allergen avoidance as a crucial step in the management of allergies.3 However, patients are usually unaware of the degree of cockroach infestation in their homes. Previous surveys of house dust samples found that 20-62% of the homes tested had detectable levels of cockroach allergens, despite there being no obvious evidence of an infestation.
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Letters Source Type: research