Home infestations with ladybugs (Harmonia axyridis) occur throughout the U.S. During a screening of blood bank donors, about 10% had evidence of allergy to ladybug. However, the test used may not always distinguish between ladybug and cockroach specific allergy antibodies. A skin test using ladybug extracts was more successful in distinguishing the two, but is not commercially available at this point.
Cockroach allergy is quite common, especially in urban areas where people are more likely to be exposed to cockroaches in the home as well as in public buildings. Cockroach exposure can trigger a sensitized person to have a major asthma attack or nasal allergy symptoms. Now we should also consider the possibility of ladybug sensitization as a cause of similar symptoms.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2009 Nov; 103(5): 432-5. Clark MT, Levin T, Dolen W. Cross-reactivity between cockroach and ladybug using the radioallergosorbent test.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2010 Aug; 105(2): 182-3. Goetz DW. Clinical efficacy of asian ladybug whole-body extract skin testing.
Welcome to the South Bay Allergy & Asthma Blog where you will find tips and advice from board certified Allergy and Immunology doctors and nurses on dealing with nasal, seasonal, insect, medication, food and skin allergies. Also visit our blog to stay current on news and advances in care and treatment of allergy, asthma and immunology, including developments in the world of immunotherapy: allergy shots, drops and tablets.
We do offer skin testing for cockroach allergy at South Bay Allergy; if you have a positive skin test, environmental control of cockroaches and dust containing microscopic insect particles can help reduce your asthma and allergy symptoms.
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