[Study of cockroach allergy in asthmatic children. The positive rates and antigenicity of cockroach allergen].

The specific IgE antibodies to 4 species of cockroach were measured in sera from 51 asthmatic children 6 to 16 years old by RAST and CAP system. Positive rates of RAST to Periplaneta fuliginosa, Blattela germanica, Periplaneta americana and Periplaneta japonica were 17.6%, 29.4%, 19.6% and 15.7%, respectively and those of CAP system to Periplaneta fuliginosa and Blattela germanica were 15.7%, respectively. Among those with positive RAST to 4 species of cockroach there were significant correlations. Significant correlations were observed also between the RAST titer for the whole bodies and feces of Periplaneta fuliginosa and Blattela germanica and immunoblotting analysis of sera obtained from two cockroach-positive patients revealed common sensitive fraction between whole body and feces. Immediate bronchial response was detected by bronchial provocation test. RAST inhibition study indicated no cross-reacting allergenicity between cockroach and mite. Collectively, cockroach is one of important inhalent allergens in asthmatic children.