Clinical manifestations and cross-reactions between cockroaches and
termites and identification of termites' major allergens
Abstract
Background: The American cockroach ( Periplaneta
Americana, CraA) is a strong risk factor for allergic sensitization and
asthma morbidity. Molecular phylogenetic studies demonstrated termites
are social cockroaches specialized in feeding on plant materials. We
hypothesized that termite allergies may be misdiagnosed as cockroach
allergies due to cross-reactivity in routine clinical tests. Herein, we
defined the allergenic cross-reaction between CraA and termites and
determined the clinical significance of termite allergies.
Methods: Protein extracts from the three major castes (alate,
soldier, and worker) of two termite species, Coptotermes
formosanus, and C. gestroi, were prepared for skin prick test
and IgE immunoblotting with human subjects. Results: Of the 16
termite-exposed subjects, nine (56%) had a positive immediate skin
reaction to C. formosanus or C. gestroi, but only two
individuals were reactive to CraA. Among the termite-allergic subjects,
8 had rhinitis and one had dermatitis, which manifested as itchy
eczematous skin rashes. Immunoblotting revealed 7 allergenic components
could bind specific-IgE antibodies in 8 termite-allergic patients. The
major allergens of 30/32-, 43-, and 70-kDa were Copt f 7, Copt f 9, and
Copt f 3 by immunoblot inhibitions. Antibodies against Per a 3, Per a 4,
and Per a 6 recognized bands in both extracts of cockroach and alate
termites, indicating a more similar gene expression between alate
termites and cockroaches compared to worker and soldier castes.
Conclusions: Our study underscores the importance of
recognizing termites as a novel indoor allergenic source and the
necessity for further research to develop effective diagnostic and
therapeutic strategies.