Cockroach allergy is a health problem in many parts of the world. In urban environments, indoor exposure to cockroach allergens involves a risk of asthma. The aim of this study was to measure the mass fraction of Bla g 1, a major allergen of the German cockroach (Blatella germanica) in 30 house samples, collected at random from Zagreb area households, Croatia. Dust samples were collected on cel...

Pollen allergens of the Poaceae family comprise one of the main causes of pollinosis worldwide. Although most of cereals are included in this family, certain pollination characteristics and aerobiological features differentiate them from common wild grass pollen. Cereal pollen grains cannot be easily characterised as potential sources of aero allergens, because of their pollination mode (most o...

AIMS To determine the frequency of sensitisation to mites among rhinitic laboratory animal workers and to clarify whether sensitisation could be occupational. METHODS Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed in 40 subjects who were working with laboratory animals in Kuopio University research units and who had been referred to Kuopio University Hospital for work related rhinitis. The SPT panel c...

Cova da Beira is an interior central region of Portugal, with a population of 93,000 inhabitants. The first pollen counts performed in Portugal revealed the highest values of the country in this area. The aim of this study was to assess the aeroallergens sensitization in an allergic population, according to the age groups. In a 5 year period (1995-2000) 1790 consecutive outpatients were observe...

We read with interest the article from Marenco-Arellano et al. showing that introduction at home of a new pet (the less common hamster) increases the risk of allergic sensitisation and exacerbation of respiratory symptoms as a consequence of the exposure to this pet. Although it is indubitable that the presence of a common as well as an ‘‘exotic’’ furred pet at home greatly increases the amount...