Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Allergenic impact of inhaled arthropod material

  • Published:
Clinical Reviews in Allergy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Conclusion

We have reviewed a number of aeroallergens, derived from arthropods, that can induce allergic respiratory illnesses. The insects and acarids responsible often are easily overlooked or, if evident, have allergenic impacts that are not well recognized. Use of techniques such as RAST, RAST inhibition, and assays of mediators from both passively sensitized lung and basophil-rich leukocyte suspensions has facilitated identification of these new allergens and their sources. Direct skin and inhalation challenge testing have provided clinical correlations in vivo, emphasizing the potential importance of these agents. The high prevalence and intensity of type 1 responses to environmental arthropods (eg, cockroaches, house dust mites, moths, and butterflies) suggests that their significance as causes of persistent airway diseases may, at times, exceed that of pollens. Further investigation clearly is warranted, and it is our opinion that arthropod allergies must be considered and investigated seriously in all patients with respiratory allergy that is not otherwise readily explained, particularly bronchial asthma. Such an enlightened approach offers both a fuller understanding of disease causation and, we believe, a means to achieve improved patient care.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Green A: The trouble with cockroaches. New Scientist 16:74–76, 1962

    Google Scholar 

  2. Roth LM, Willis ER: The medical and veterinary importance of cockroaches. Miscellaneous Smithsonian Collections 134:28, 1951

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bernton HS, Brown H: Insect allergy. Preliminary studies of the cockroach. J Allergy 35:506–513, 1964

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Bernton HS, Brown H: Cockroach allergy. II. The relation of infestation to sensitization. South Med J 60:852–855, 1967

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Kang B, Sulit N: A comparative study of prevalence of skin hypersensitivity to cockroach and house dust antigens. Ann Allergy 41:333–336, 1978

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Kang B, Vellody D, Homburger H, Yunginger JW: Cockroach cause of allergic asthma. Its specificity and immunologic profile. J Allergy Clin Immunol 63:80–86, 1979

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Kang B: Study on cockroach antigen as a probable causative agent in bronchial asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 58:357–365, 1976

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Schulaner FA: Sensitivity to the cockroach in three groups of allergic children. Pediatrics 45:465–466, 1970

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Mendoza J, Snyder RD: Cockroach sensitivity in children with bronchial asthma. Ann Allergy 28:159–163, 1970

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Marchand AM: Allergy to cockroaches. Bol Assoc Med Puerto Rico 58:49–53, 1966

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Bernton HS, McMahon TF, Brown H: Cockroach asthma. Br J Dis Chest 66:61–66, 1972

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Kang B: Unpublished observation, 1976

  13. Chang JL, Kang B, Teodorescu M, Ryo UY: Circulating free histamine in peripheral blood following cockroach antigen challenge. Clin Research 30:478A, 1982 (abstr)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Kang B: Cockroach asthma, (in preparation)

  15. Twarog FJ, Picone FJ, Strunk RS, et al: Immediate hypersensitivity to cockroach. J Allergy Clin Immunol 59:154–160, 1977

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Chang JL, Johnson J, Kang B: Characterization of cockroach antigen. J Allergy Clin Immunol 71:161, 1983 (abstr)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Kahn HA, Richman PG, Turkeltaub PC, Malveaux FJ, Baer H: Comparison of allergenicity of whole body and body parts of German and American cockroach. J Allergy Clin Immunol 69:144, 1982 (abstr)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Anderson MC, Baer H, Richman P, Khan H, Turkeltaub PC: Immunoelectrophoretic studies of roach allergens. J Allergy Clin Immunol 71:105, 1983 (abstr)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Kang B, Johnson J, Chang JL: Blocking antibody and efficacy of immunotherapy in cockroach asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 69:132, 1982 (abstr)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Voorhorst R, Spieksma FThM, Varekamp H, Leupen MJ, Lyklema AW: The house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and the allergens it produces. Identity with the house-dust allergen. J Allergy 39:325–339, 1967

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Maunsell K, Wraith DG, Cunnington AM: Mites and house-dust allergy in bronchial asthma. Lancet 1:1267, 1968

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Voorhorst R, Speiksma, Varekamp H: House Dust Mite. Leiden, Stafilen’s Scientific, 1969

    Google Scholar 

  23. Gabriel M, Cunnington AM, Allan WGL, Pickering CAC, Wraith DG: Mite allergy in Hong Kong. Clin Allergy 12:157–171, 1982

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Blythe ME: Some aspects of ecological study of the house dust mites. Br J Dis Chest 70:3–31, 1976

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Arlian LG, Bernstein IL, Gallagher JS: The prevalence of house dust mites;Dermatophagoides spp. and associated environmental conditions in homes in Ohio. J Allergy Clin Immunol 69:527–532, 1982

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Larson DG, Mitchell WF, Wharton GW: Preliminary studies onDermatophagoides farinae Hughes 1961 (Acari) and house dust allergy. J Med Entomol 6:295–299, 1969

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Spieksma FThM, Zuidema P, Leupen MJ: High altitude and house dust mites. Br Med J 1:82–84, 1971

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Wharton GW: House dust mites. J Med Entomol 12:577–621, 1975

    Google Scholar 

  29. Vervloet D, Penaund A, Razzouk H, Senft M, Arnaud A, Boutin C, Charpin J: Altitude and house dust mites. J Allergy Clin Immunol 69:290–296, 1982

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Van Bronxwijk JEMH, Sinha RN: Pyoglyphid mites (Acari) and house dust allergy. A review. J Allergy 47:31–52, 1971

    Google Scholar 

  31. Carswell F, Robinson DW, Oliver J, Clark D, Robinson P, Wadsworth J: House dust mites in Bristol. Clin Allergy 12:533–545, 1982

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. McAllen MK, Assem Esk, Maunsell K: House dust mite asthma. Results of challenge tests on five criteria withDermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Br Med J 2:501–504, 1970

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Mitchell WF, Wharton GW, Larson DG, Modic R: House dust, mites and insects. Ann Allergy 27:93–99, 1969

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Miyamoto T, Oshima S, Ishizaki T, Sato S: Allergenic identity between the common floor mite (Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, 1961) and house dust as causative antigen in bronchial asthma. J Allergy 42:14–28, 1968

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Mansfield LE, Nelson H: Allergens in commercial house dust. Ann Allergy 48:205–209, 1982

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Hendrick DJ, Davies RJ, D’Souza MF, Pepys J: An analysis of skin prick test reactions in 656 asthmatic patients. Thorax 30:28, 1975

    Google Scholar 

  37. Warner J: Mites and asthma in children. Br J Dis Chest 72:972–987, 1978

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Phillips M, Davies RJ, Oilier R: Use of anterior rhinometry in nasal provocation challenge with allergen and evaluation of the effects of ketotifen, clemastine and sodium cromoglycate on these response. Respiration 39(Suppl 1):26–31, 1980

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Davies FJ, Blainey AD: Evaluation and treatment of house dust mite allergy in perennial rhinitis, in: Proceedings, International Congress of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, London, 1983. London, MacMillan, 1983, pp 292–295

    Google Scholar 

  40. Morita Y, Miyamoto T, Horiuchi Y, Oshima S, Katsuhata A, Kawal J: Further studies in allergenic identity between house dust and the house dust mite.Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, 1961. Ann Allergy 35:361–366, 1976

    Google Scholar 

  41. Bullock JD, Frick OL: Mite sensitivity in house dust-allergic children. Am J Dis Child 123:222–226, 1972

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Kawai T, Marsh DG, Lichtenstein LM, Norman PS: The allergens responsible for house dust allergy. I. Comparison ofDermatophagoides pteronyssinus and house dust extracts by assay of histamine release from allergic human leukocytes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 50:117–127, 1972

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Romagnani S, Biliotti G, Passaleva A, Ricci M: Mites and house dust allergy. III. In vitro lymphocyte transformation and precipitating antibody to house dust and mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) extract in atopic and nonatopic individuals. Clin Allergy 3:51–56, 1973

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Hiratani M, Muto K, Oshida Y, Ito S, Kasei M: Lymphocyte responsiveness toDermatophagoides farinae extract in mite-sensitive patients: Effect of immunotherapy on cellular proliferative response and specific immunoglubulin E antibody (RAST score). J Allergy Clin Immunol 18:205–211, 1981

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Steward GA, Turner KJ: Physiochemical and immunochemical characterization of the allergens from the miteDermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Aust J Exp Biol Med Sci 58:259–274, 1980

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Marsh DG: Allergens and the genetics of allergy, in Sela M (ed): The Antigens, vol III. Orlando, FL, Academic, 1974, p 271

    Google Scholar 

  47. Romagnani S, Boccaccini P, Amadori A, Ricci M: Studies on allergens ofDermatophagoides pteronyssinus by direct and indirect RAST. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 50:525–535, 1976

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Chapman MD, Platts-Mills TAE: Purification and characterization of the major allergen fromDermatophagoides pteronyssinus—antigen P1. J Immunol 125:587–592, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Lind P: Characterization of a partially purified allergen preparation ofDermatophagoides pteronyssinus and of two isolated major allergens. Proceedings of the Scandinavian Allergology Congress of Gothenburg, 1981

  50. Chapman MD, Tovey ER, Willins SR, Platts-Mills, TAE: The allergens responsible for house dust mite allergy. Proceedings of XI International Congress of Allergology and Immunology, London, 1982

  51. Dandeu JP, LeMao J, Lux M, Rabillon J, David B: Antigens and allergens inDermatophagoides farinae mite. II. Purification of Ag II, a major allergen inDermatophagoides farinae. Immunology 46:679–687, 1982

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Pepys J, Chan M, Hargreave FE: Mites and house dust allergy. Lancet 1:1270–1272, 1968

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Billioti G, Romagnani S, Ricci M: Mites and house dust allergy. IV. Antigen and allergen(s) ofDermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract. Clin Allergy 5:69–77, 1975

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Ancona G: An epidemic of asthma due toPediculoides ventricosus. II. Policlin Sezione Med 30:45–70, 1923

    Google Scholar 

  55. Sinha RN: Role of Acarina in the stored grain ecosystem. Ree Adv Acarol 1:263–272, 1979

    Google Scholar 

  56. Jiminez Dias C, Lahoz C, Centro G: The allergens of mill dust. Asthma in millers, farmers and others. Ann Allergy 5:519–522, 1947

    Google Scholar 

  57. Wraith DG, Cunnington AM, Seymour WM: The role and allergenic importance of storage mites in house dust and other environments. Clin Allergy 9:545–561, 1979

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Cuthbert OD, Brostoff J, Wraith DG, Brighton WD: Barn allergy: Asthma and rhinitis due to storage mites. Clin Allergy 9:229–236, 1979

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Warren CPW, Holford-Stevens V, Sinha RN: Sensitization in a grain handler to the storage miteLepidoglyphus destructor (Schrank). Ann Allergy 50:30–33, 1983

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Ingram CG, Symington IS, Jeffrey IG, Cuthbert OD: Bronchial provocation studies in farmers allergic to storage mites. Lancet 2:1330–1332, 1979

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Hillerdal G, Zetterstrom O, Johansson SGO, Engstrom B, Wiren A: Mites living in hay: An important allergen source? Allergy 37:475–479, 1982

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Agha M, Gnanasakthy A: A cluster analysis of the effects of storage mites as allergens in relation to certain occupations and living conditions. Clin Allergy 11:499–504, 1981

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Frankland AW: Locus sensitivity. Ann Allergy 11:445–453, 1953

    Google Scholar 

  64. Frankland AW, Lunn JA: Asthma caused by the grain weevil. Br J Ind Med 22:157–159, 1965

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Lunn JA: Millworkers’ asthma: Allergic responses to the grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius). Br J Ind Med 23:149–152, 1966

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Lunn JA, Hughes DTD: Pulmonary hypersensitivity to the grain weevil. Br J Ind Med 24:158–161, 1967

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Burge PS, Edge G, O’Brien IM, Harries MC, Hawkins R, Pepys J: Occupational asthma in research center breeding locusts. Clin Allergy 10:355–363, 1980

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Wittich FW: Allergic rhinitis and asthma due to sensitization to the Mexican bean weevil (Zabrotes subfasciatus boh). J Allergy 14:42–45, 1940

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Ordman B: Sewage filter flies (Psychoda) as a cause of bronchial asthma. South Afr Med J 20:32–35, 1946

    Google Scholar 

  70. Stevenson DD, Mathews KP: Occupational asthma following inhalation of moth particles. J Allergy 39:274–283, 1967

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Parlato SJ: The sand fly (caddis fly) as an exciting cause of allergic coryza and asthma. II. Its relative frequency. J Allergy 1:307–312, 1930

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. Figley KD: Asthma due to May fly. Am J Med Sci 178:338–345, 1929

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Perlman F, Press E, Googins JA, Malley A, Poarea H: Tussockosis: Reactions to Douglas fir tussock moth. Ann Allergy 36:302–307, 1976

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Kern RA: Asthma due to mushroom fly (Aphiochaeta agarici). J Allergy 9:604–606, 1938

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Murray FJ, Brown H, Bernton HS: A case of asthma caused by box elder beetle. J Allergy 45:103, 1970 (abstr)

    Google Scholar 

  76. Feinberg AR, Feinberg SM, Beniam-Pinto C: Asthma and rhinitis from insect allergens. I. Clinical importance. J Allergy 27:437–444, 1956

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Perlman F: Insects as inhalant allergens. Consideration of aerobiology, biochemistry, preparation of material and clinical observations. J Allergy 29:302–328, 1958

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Shulman S: Insect allergy: Biochemical and immunological analyses of the allergens. Prog Allergy 12:246–317, 1968

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Freeman P: A species of chironomid (Diptera) from the Sudan suspected of causing asthma. Proc R Soc Lond (B) 19:58, 1950

    Google Scholar 

  80. Kay AB, Gad El Rab MO, Stewart J, Erwa HH: Widespread IgE-mediated hypersensitivity in Northern Sudan to the chironomidCladotonytarsus lewisi (“green nimitti”). Clin Exp Immunol 34:106–110, 1978

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Gal El Rab MO, Kay AB: Widespread Immunoglobulin E-hypersensitivity in the Sudan to the “green nimitti” midge,Cladotanytarsus lewisi (diptera: Chironomidae) I. Diagnosis by radioallergosorbent test. J Allergy Clin Immunol 66:190–197, 1980

    Article  Google Scholar 

  82. Gad El Rab MO, Thatcher DR, and Kay AB: Widespread IgE-mediated hypersensitivity in the Sudan to the “green nimitti” midge,Cladotanytarsus lewisi (diptera: Chironomidae). II. Identification of a major allergen. Clin Exp Immunol 41:389–396, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Kay AB, MacLean CMU, Wilkinson AH, Gad El Rab MO: The prevalence of asthma and rhinitis in a Sudanese community seasonally exposed to a potent airborne allergen (the “green nimitti” midge,Cladotanytarsus lewisi). J Allergy Clin Immunol 72:345–352, 1983

    Article  Google Scholar 

  84. Tee RD, Gad El Rab MO, Cranston RS, Kay AB: Allergens of the “green nimitti” midge, in: Proceedings XI International Congress of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, 1983

  85. Kino T, Oshima S: Allergy to insects in Japan. I. The reagirne sensitivity to moth and butterfly in patients with bronchial asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 61:10–16, 1978

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Kino T, Oshima S: Allergy to insects in Japan. II. The reaginic sensitivity to silk worm moth in patients with bronchial asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 64:131–138, 1979

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Allergy/Clinical Immunology, Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center, California Avenue at 15th Street, 60608, Chicago, IL

    Bann Kang MD & Jin Lai Chang

Authors
  1. Bann Kang MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jin Lai Chang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Supported in part by Grants MSH-75-08, MSH-78-12, and MSH-80-37 from Mount Sinai Hospital.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kang, B., Chang, J.L. Allergenic impact of inhaled arthropod material. Clin Rev Allergy 3, 363–375 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02993001

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02993001

Keywords

Search

Navigation