Two cases of Lophomonas blattarum infection combined with paragonimiasis and literature review / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment methods of Lophomonas blattarum infection combined with paragonimiasis in children, and improve pediatricians' understanding of the disease. Methods:The clinical data of two children with Lophomonas blattarum infection combined with paragonimiasis who received treatment in the Department of Pediatrics of The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province were retrospectively analyzed. Children's clinical manifestation and diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. Relative literature was reviewed. Results:Case 1 had the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms. Case 2 had the onset of headache and liver dysfunction. Routine blood tests showed elevated eosinophils two cases and sputum examination results revealed the presence of live eggs of Lophomonas blattarum and paragonimiasis in two cases. Fecal roundworm eggs were also detected in case 1. Follow-up results showed that both cases were cured after treatment with metronidazole injection and praziquantel tablets. Conclusion:Lophomonas blattarum infection is a relatively rare opportunistic infection. Paragonimiasis is a natural parasitic disease that affects both humans and animals. Mixed infection of the two pathogens is rare. We hope that the findings from this paper will broaden clinical physicians' thoughts and guide clinical practice.

Analysis of cockroach surveillance in Liaoning Province in 2021 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To master the condition of cockroach population distribution, seasonal dynamics, cockroach density for different habitat, and to provide a basis for developing cockroach control strategies. Methods　Six types of surveillance sites, including residential areas, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals and farm product markets, were set up in 14 cities in Liaoning to monitor cockroaches using the sticky-trap method. The cockroach surveillance data from vector surveillance sites in fourteen cities of Liaoning Province in 2021 were collected and statistically analyzed using Excel 2010 and SPSS 23.0 software. The density and species composition of cockroaches were analyzed, and the density difference and seasonal dynamics trend of cockroaches in different habitats were compared. Results　A total of 3 031 cockroaches were captured in 2021, of which Blattella germanica accounted for 94.66% (2 869/3 031) and was the dominant population. The total density of cockroaches was 0.230 0 cockroaches per sheet (3 031/13 234) and the total infestation rate of cockroaches was 5.59% (562/10 052). The density and infestation rate of cockroaches in different habitats were in the order of farm product markets, restaurants, and hotels and the difference in infestation rate between habitats was statistically significant (χ2=168.327, P<0.05). The seasonal dynamics trend of cockroach density and disoperation rate showed a unimodal curve, and the peaks were distributed in July. The seasonal dynamics of cockroach density and disoperation rate in different habitats showed a unimodal curve in the habitats of farm product markets, supermarkets, hotels, hospitals and residential areas all, while the habitats of restaurants were close to a double peak curve. Conclusions　B. germanica is the dominant species of cockroaches in Liaoning Province in 2021. Compared with 2020 the density and disoperation rate of cockroach in 2021 showed a slight downward trend, and the seasonal dynamics trend of cockroach density and disoperation rate showed a unimodal curve. The farm product markets are the key places for cockroach prevention and control. According to the seasonal fluctuation trends in cockroach density and infestation rate in different habitats, comprehensive prevention and control measures should be taken before the peak periods to reduce cockroach density and control diseases.

Surveillance of cockroach population and evaluation of control effects in households from 2017 to 2019 in Jiading District of Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To learn the population and infestation rates of cockroaches from 2017 to 2019 in Jiading District of Shanghai, to evaluate the effect of cockroach termination in household, and to provide information for cockroach control. Methods Cockroaches were controlled by dinotefuran baits and clean-up in households.Sticky trap and visual method were employed for density monitoring in farmers markets, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and residential areas.Visual method was used in households before and after using the insecticide. Results Sticky trap result showed the room infestation rate was 3.24%, mean adhesion rate was 3.29%, the density was 0.06 per board, and the density peak appeared in May.Rate of invasion and density decreased year by year.Blattella germanica was the dominant species, counting for 71.88%.The density, and rate of infestation, as determined by sticky trap method, were the highest in the farmers markets, followed by hospitals and residential areas.Determined by visual method, room infestation rate was 1.16%, and the infestation rate was 4.44%.The peak appeared in January.Infestation rate of the farmers markets was the highest, followed by hospitals and residential areas.By visual method, the room infestation rate was 59.01%, and 48.45% for nymphs.The room infestation and ootheca rates were 54.04% and 17.39%.The rate decreased more than 80% in 30 days after use of the insecticide. Conclusion Infestation rate of cockroach remains at low level in Jiading District.The effect of bait combined with environmental cleaning is remarkable.Future work should strengthen monitoring and control in farmers markets, hospitals and residential areas.

The Human Pathogens Carried By The Cockroaches In The Food-Related Environment Potentially Causing A Foodborne Diseases: A Systematic Review

@#Cockroaches are one of the potential vectors on spreading disease and health problems for humans by contaminating foods, ingredients, or food storage. Cause of their habit and life in an unsanitary place, they can carry human pathogens in their body and contaminated. This review aims to know the types and prevalence of human pathogens carried by cockroaches in the food-related environment and discuss the possibility of human pathogens carried by cockroaches that can cause foodborne diseases. This systematic review conforms to the PRISMA guidelines. The initial search was done from four health-related electronic databases (PubMed Central, EBSCOhost, Proquest, and Scopus) for relevant literature on pathogens that isolated from the cockroaches. There are 129 articles identified in the initial search database. After screening and eligibility process, eight articles were identified for this review. It was found that most of the cockroaches captured in/around food handling establishment and human habitation. Furthermore, around 23 species pathogens, predominantly bacteria, were identified from the cockroaches. This review showed that cockroaches carry many pathogens, which can cause severe infections in humans, such as foodborne diseases through contaminated food.

Exposición y sensibilización a insectos en pacientes alérgicos en el trópico / Exposure and sensitization to insects in allergic patients in the tropics

Introducción. Los ácaros son una importante fuente de alérgenos en el trópico, pero poco se han estudiado otras fuentes potenciales de alérgenos prevalentes en la zona, como los insectos. Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre la exposición y la sensibilización alérgica a cucarachas, mosquitos y hormigas, y su interacción con la sensibilización a los ácaros. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes con pruebas de alergia para Blatella germanica, Aedes aegypti, Solenopsis invicta, Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides farinae y D. pteronyssinus. Se determinó la sensibilización mediada por inmunoglobulina E (IgE) mediante pruebas intraepidérmicas. Para la exposición a los insectos en las casas, se utilizaron trampas para insectos rastreros y voladores. Resultados. Se incluyeron 186 pacientes, de los cuales 73 (39,2 %) presentaron sensibilidad a uno de los insectos (cucarachas: 21 %, mosquitos: 29 %, hormigas: 26,3 %). De estos, 71 (97,2 %) presentaron sensibilización a los ácaros, en tanto que de los 148 pacientes sensibilizados a algún ácaro, solo el 47,9 % lo estaba a algún insecto. Se evaluaron 104 casas: en el 74 %, se encontraron cucarachas, en el 22%, hormigas, y en el 52 %, mosquitos. En los pacientes sensibilizados a los insectos, el número de insectos por casa tuvo una relación directa con el tamaño del habón aparecido durante la prueba cutánea: cucaracha, r=0,781 (p<0,001), mosquito, r=0,811 (p<0,001), hormiga, r=0,840 (p<0,001). Conclusión. La sensibilización a los insectos es frecuente en la población alérgica del trópico y está fuertemente asociada con la sensibilización a los ácaros.

Introduction: Mites are an important source of allergens in the tropics. Other potential sources of allergens prevalent in the region such as insects have been poorly studied. Objective: To determine the relationship between exposure and allergic sensitization to cockroaches, mosquitos, ants and the interaction with mite sensitization. Materials and methods: We included patients with allergy tests for Blatella germanica, Aedes aegypti, Solenopsis invicta, Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus. IgE sensitization was evaluated by intraepidermal tests. Exposure to insects in houses was evaluated using traps for crawling and flying insects. Results: A total amount of 186 patients were included; 73 (39.2%) of them were sensitized to an insect (cockroaches: 21%, mosquitoes: 29%, ants: 26,3%), 71 (97.2%) also had sensitization to mites. Of the 148 patients sensitized to mites, only 47.9% were sensitized to an insect. In total, 104 houses were evaluated: 74% had cockroaches, 22% ants, and 52% mosquitoes. Among insect-sensitized patients, the number of insects at home was directly related to the size of the weal generated during the skin test: Cockroaches, r=0.781, p<0.001; mosquitoes, r=0.811, p<0.001, and ants, r=0.840, p<0.001. Conclusion: Sensitization to insects is frequent in allergic populations of the tropics and is strongly associated with sensitization to mites.

Assessment of the Role of Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) as Carriers of Medically Important Parasites and Microorganisms in College of Agriculture, Lafia, Students Hostels, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Cockroaches are found in human dwellings. They are distributed worldwide. They play an important role in transmitting diseases either mechanically and occasionally biologically. Numerous bacteria and parasites of medical importance have been isolated from cockroaches. This research was therefore designed to identify parasites and to isolate microorganisms of medical importance from external surfaces and gastrointestinal tract of cockroaches collected from different parts of student hostels of College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 170 cockroaches were trapped and collected from different location of the male and female hostels in the College and were examined using standard parasitological and microbial techniques. Normal saline was used in the washing and examination of external surfaces, dissection and examination of gastrointestinal tract; culturing the external surfaces, wash and intestine homogenates of the cockroaches in groups. Ova and cycts of some human parasites were found from the gut of cockroaches Trichuris trichiura (21.17%), Ascaris lumbricoides (23.52%), Entamoeba histolytica (24.70%), Hookworm (12.94%), and Enterobius vermicularis (15.29%) and also some species of bacteria and fungi were also recovered from the body of the cockroaches. Some microorganism of medical important were also recovered; Staplylococcus aureus (25.88%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (21.17%), Bacillus cereus(20.58%) Escherichia coli (32.35%). The result from this study indicates that cockroaches as a domestic pests could pose a health problem to human. Therefore, we must control cockroaches particularly in indoors, sewage and solid wastes.

Distribution, habitat use and plant associations of Moluchia brevipennis (Saussure, 1864) (Blattodea: Ectobiidae): an endemic cockroach from Chilean Mediterranean Matorral biome

ABSTRACT Wild cockroaches are often described as abundant and diverse insects from wet tropical zones; however, they can also be found in arid and semiarid areas. It is proposed that in these drier environments cockroach survival may dependent on its tight association with native plant species. In this work, using bait trapping and active collection methods, we surveyed cockroach species along central Chile coastal scrubland; the southern limit of the semiarid Mediterranean Matorral biome in the Neotropical Region (32° S). Based on morphological and DNA barcoding methods we found that our collected cockroaches belonged to native species Moluchia brevipennis (Saussure, 1864) (Blattodea: Ectobiidae). Furthermore, thanks to field sampling, we noticed for the first time that M. brevipennis predominantly can be found in patches of native vegetation from Matorral biome, for instance, associated to endemic plant species from Puya (Bromeliaceae) genus, where we recorded these wild cockroaches feeding on flowers at dusk. Under the light of these findings, we discuss the relevance of the association between M. brevipennis and native plants for its survival in this semiarid habitat, its potential ecological function and the ongoing hazards for native insect species resulting from nearby urban sprawl in coastal central Chile.

Sensitization to common allergens among patients with allergies in major Iranian cities: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 한국역학회지

Various allergens are implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases in different regions. This study attempted to identify the most common allergens among patients with allergies based on the results of skin prick tests in different parts of Iran. Relevant studies conducted from 2000 to 2016 were identified from the MEDLINE database. Six common groups of allergen types, including animal, cockroach, food, fungus, house dust mite, and pollen were considered. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of each type of allergen. The Egger test was used to assess publication bias. We included 44 studies in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of positive skin test results for at least one allergen was estimated to be 59% in patients with allergies in various parts of Iran. The number of patients was 11,646 (56% male and 44% female), with a mean age of 17.46±11.12 years. The most common allergen sources were pollen (47.0%), mites (35.2%), and food (15.3%). The prevalence of sensitization to food and cockroach allergens among children was greater than among adults. Pollen is the most common allergen sensitization in cities of Iran with a warm and dry climate; however, sensitization to house dust mites is predominant in northern and southern coastal areas of Iran.

Sensitization to common allergens among patients with allergies in major Iranian cities: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 한국역학회지

Various allergens are implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases in different regions. This study attempted to identify the most common allergens among patients with allergies based on the results of skin prick tests in different parts of Iran. Relevant studies conducted from 2000 to 2016 were identified from the MEDLINE database. Six common groups of allergen types, including animal, cockroach, food, fungus, house dust mite, and pollen were considered. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of each type of allergen. The Egger test was used to assess publication bias. We included 44 studies in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of positive skin test results for at least one allergen was estimated to be 59% in patients with allergies in various parts of Iran. The number of patients was 11,646 (56% male and 44% female), with a mean age of 17.46±11.12 years. The most common allergen sources were pollen (47.0%), mites (35.2%), and food (15.3%). The prevalence of sensitization to food and cockroach allergens among children was greater than among adults. Pollen is the most common allergen sensitization in cities of Iran with a warm and dry climate; however, sensitization to house dust mites is predominant in northern and southern coastal areas of Iran.

Blattella germánica (Blattodea: Blattellidae) como potencial vector mecánico de infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud (IAAS) en un centro hospitalario de Villavicencio (Meta-Colombia) / Blattella germánica (Blattodea: Blattellidae) as potential mechanical vector of health-care associated infections in a hospital in Villavicencio (Meta-Colombia)

Objetivo. Identificar las especies de cucarachas y bacterias asociadas a su exoesqueleto en un centro hospitalario de la ciudad de Villavicencio (Meta, Colombia). Métodos. Se realizaron capturas manuales de cucarachas en cocina, urgencias, UCI intermedia, consulta externa y neonatos. Los individuos colectados fueron sometidos a un aislamiento primario en caldo BHI, para luego pasar a medios sólidos (sangre y MacConkey). Se realizó identificación y antibiograma por método automatizado. Resultados. Se colectaron 24 ninfas y adultos de Blattella germánica. Se aisló e identificó Klebsiella pneumoniae con sensibilidad intermedia a meropenem (CMI 4) y resistencia a cefalosporinas (cefepima y cefuroxima) (>16), Proteus vulgaris con resistencia a cefalosporinas (ceftriaxona, cefuroxima) (CMI >16), Enterobacter cloacae con resistencia a cefalosporinas (cefoxitina, cefuroxima, ceftriaxona) (CMI > 16), Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus rafinosus, Staphylococcus xylosus y Enterococcus faecalis. El 80% de las bacterias aisladas presentaron algún grado de resistencia a antibióticos. Conclusiones. Estos insectos podrían jugar un papel importante en la transmisión de las Infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud (IAAS). Debido a su presencia en hospitales y el reporte de IAAS y resistencia bacteriana en varios centros asistenciales en el Departamento del Meta, se hace necesario establecer la relación de estos insectos con estos eventos.

Objective. Identify the species of cockroaches and bacteria associated with their exoskeleton in a hospital in Villavicencio (Meta, Colombia). Methods. The cockroaches were captured manually in kitchen, emergency room, intermediate intensive care unit, outpatient service and newborn nursery. The collected individuals were subjected to a primary isolation in BHI broth, then move on to solid media (blood and MacConkey). Identification and sensitivity testing was performed by automated method. Results. 24 nymphs and adults ofBlattella germanica were collected. It was isolated and identified Klebsiellapneumoniae with intermediate susceptibility to meropenem (MIC 4) and resistance to cephalosporins (cefepime and cefuroxime) (> 16), Proteus vulgaris with cephalosporin resistance (Ceftriaxone, Cefuroxime) (MIC > 16), Enterobacter cloacae resistant to cephalosporins (cefoxitin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone) (MIC > 16), Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus rafinosus, Staphylococcus xylosus and Enterococcus faecalis. 80% of the isolated bacteria showed some degree of resistance to antibiotics. Results. These insects could play an important role in the transmission of health care associated infections (HCAI). Due to the presence of cockroaches in hospitals and the report of HCAI and bacterial resistance in several health centers in the Department of Meta, it is necessary to establish the relationship of these insects with these events.

Detection of allergen-specific serum IgE in patients with eczema or dermatitis:a multicenter study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To identify common allergens in patients with eczema or dermatitis by using serum IgE tests, and to explore their clinical significance. Methods A retrospective study was carried out on eczema or dermatitis patients with at least one positive serum IgE test result from 10 hospitals in China. Results Totally, 458 patients were included in this study with an average age of 28.13 ± 23.11 years. Of these patients, 209 (45.63%)were male, and 249 (54.37%)were female. The top three allergens were cockroaches(180/458, 39.30%), dust mite mix(152/458, 33.19%) and peanuts (116/458, 25.33%). Polysensitization (sensitization to more than one allergen)was observed in 89.66%(26/29)of patients with atopic dermatitis and 86.84%(33/38)of patients with facial eczema. Moreover, the rate of polysensitization was significantly higher in patients with generalized lesions than in those with circumscribed lesions (80%(88/110)vs. 70.40%(245/348),χ2=3.880, P=0.049). The positive rate of specific IgE against inhaled allergens was highest in the age group of 11-20 years(39/43, 90.70%), while the specific IgE against milk(26.53%, 26/98)and beef (19.39%, 19/98)was mainly observed in children aged less than 3 years. In addition, patients in northern areas showed increased positive rates of specific IgE to mugwort (10.35% vs. 1.61%,χ2= 4.917, P< 0.05), cockroaches (42.42%vs. 19.35%,χ2=11.959, P<0.05), milk (14.39%vs. 3.23%,χ2=5.958, P<0.05), soybeans (13.89%vs. 3.23%,χ2=5.594, P<0.05), beef(11.36%vs. 1.61%,χ2=5.641, P<0.05)and fresh-water fish(13.38%vs. 3.23%,χ2 = 5.235, P< 0.05)compared with those in southern areas. Conclusions Cockroaches are a common allergen in patients with eczema or dermatitis, and their clinical significance is worthy of further study. Polysensitization seems to be more frequent in patients with facial eczema or atopic dermatitis. Age is an important factor influencing allergen sensitization, and there is a regional difference in the distribution of common allergens.

Dust mite allergy may be a risk factor for early-onset and severe type of alopecia areata / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical features of,concurrence of allergic diseases in,as well as serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgEs in,232 patients with alopecia areata (AA),and to estimate their relationship.Methods Serum samples were obtained from 232 patients with AA and 110 healthy controls from a health check-up center.Turbidimetric immunoassay and fluorescence-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to measure total IgE and specific IgEs to common antigens in these serum samples,respectively.Statistical analysis was carried out by t test,rank sum test,and chi-square test.Results The patients showed a male/female ratio of 127 ∶ 105 with an average age of (26.4 ± 13.8) years and clinical course of (25.3 ± 42.3) months.Among these patients,89 (38.4％) suffered from severe AA,and 67 (28.9％) reported at least one allergic disease.No significant difference was found in the positive rates of serum total IgE (30.2％ vs.21.8％,P ＞ 0.05),anti-Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and-Cockroach specific IgEs or the serum levels of antiDermatophagoides pteronyssinus or-Cockroach IgE between the patients and healthy controls.The three most common specific IgEs were anti-Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus IgE (34.1％),anti-Dermatophagoides farinae IgE (31.9％) and anti-Cockroach IgE (22.5％) in patients with AA,whose serum levels were positively correlated with the level of serum total IgE separately.A significant increase was observed in the positive rates and serum levels of anti-Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and-Cockroach specific IgEs in patients with severe and diffuse AA compared with the healthy controls and patients with mild AA,as well as in those of anti-Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus specific IgE in child patients with AA compared with the healthy controls and adult patients with AA (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).Conclusions Dust mite allergy may be not only a pathogenic factor for severe,diffuse and childhood AA,but also a risk factor for early onset and severe type of AA.

Desenvolvimento de Periplaneta australasiae Fabricius (Blattodea, Blattidae) em temperatura constante de 30º c e em temperatura ambiente de laboratório / Development of Periplaneta australasiae Fabricius (Blattodea, Blattidae) at a constant temperature of 30° c and at ambient laboratory temperature

Objetivou-se avaliar o desenvolvimento de ovos e ninfas de Periplaneta australasiae (Fabricius) à temperatura de 30 ± 0,2° C, umidade relativa 80 ± 15% e fotofase de 12h e em condições ambientais de laboratório, sem controle de temperatura e umidade relativa; visando à subsídios para medidas de prevenção e controle. As ootecas foram individualizadas em tubos de ensaio até a eclosão. As ninfas foram transferidas para cubas de vidro e alimentadas com ração comercial para coelhos e água ad libitum até a emergência das imagos. Avaliou-se, período de incubação, número de ovos/ ooteca, viabilidade de ovos, número de ninfas/ooteca, período ninfal, viabilidade de ninfas e período ovo/adulto. A diferença do período médio de incubação à temperatura de 30° C (38 dias) e no ambiente (44,5 dias) foi significativa (p < 0,0001); eclodiram, em média 18,1 ninfas/ooteca a 30° C e 21 ninfas/ooteca em condições ambientais (p = 0,006); o período médio de ninfa a 30° C foi de 155,9 dias e no ambiente 279,7 dias (p < 0,0001); a viabilidade de ninfas foi superior a 50%, tanto a 30° C (55,1%) quanto em condições de laboratório (57,2%); no período médio de ovo-adulto de P. australasiae, houve diferença significativa (p< 0,001) entre a temperatura de 30 °C (194,1 dias) e em condições ambientais de laboratório (337,3 dias). Em condições de laboratório, os períodos de incubação, de ninfa e de ovo-adulto de P. australasiae foram aumentados em relação à temperatura de 30° C, não ocorrendo, entretanto, perda nem redução de viabilidade em nenhuma das fases.

With the objective of obtaining standards of measurement for prevention and control, this study compared the development of the eggs and nymphs of Periplaneta australasiae (Fabricius) at a temperature of 30 ± 0.2° C, relative humidity 80 ± 15% and photoperiod of 12 hours versus ambient conditions in the laboratory without controls of temperature and RH. Single ootheca were maintained in test tubes until ecolosion, and nymphs were transferred to glass cubes and fed commercial rabbit ration and water ad libitum until emergence of the imagos. The incubation period, number of eggs/ ootheca, viability of the eggs, number of nymphs/ootheca, nymphal duration, viability of nymphs and duration of egg to adult were all evaluated. The mean difference in the incubation period between the temperature of 30° C (38 days) and ambient conditions (44.5 days) was significant (p < 0.0001); a mean of 18.1 nymphs/ootheca ecloded at 30° C, while 21 nymphs/ootheca ecloded under ambient conditions (p = 0.006); the mean nymphal period at 30° C was 155.9 days while for the ambient it was 279.7 days (p < 0.0001); nymphal viability was greater than 50% for both the 30° C laboratory (55.1%) and the ambient (57.2%); and the mean period from egg to adult of P. australasiae was significantly different (p < 0.001) between the 30° C temperature (194.1 days) and the ambient conditions of the laboratory (337.3 days). Under ambient conditions, the duration of nymphal incubation and egg to adult development of P. australasiae were increased relative to the temperature of 30° C without a reduction in viability in any of the stages.

Baratas (Insecta, Blattaria) sinantrópicas na cidade de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil / Synantropic cockroaches (Insecta, Blattaria) from Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

A coleta de baratas na cidade de Manaus resultou em seis espécies associadas às habitações, estabelecimentos comerciais e educacionais, sendo quatro predominantemente dentro das habitações, Blatella germanica (Linnaeus, 1758), Supella longipalpa (Fabricius, 1798), Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758), P. australasiae (Fabricius, 1775) e duas fora das habitações, Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus, 1758) e Blaberus parabolicus Walker, 1868. P. americana foi comum tanto interna como externamente às instalações urbanas; P. australasiae foi predominante em barcos; P. surinamensis e B. parabolicus foram invasoras ocasionais de residências na estação chuvosa. São apresentadas fotos coloridas, em tamanho natural, para reconhecimento das espécies.

Collection of cockroaches from Manaus resulted in six species associated to human house, commercial buildings and educational buildings, being four species found predominantly indoor, Blatella germanica (Linnaeus, 1758), Supella longipalpa (Fabricius, 1798), Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) and P. australasiae (Fabricius, 1775) and two species found predominantly outdoor, Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus, 1758) and Blaberus parabolicus Walker, 1868 the latter two occasionally house-infesting species in the rainy season. P. americana was common either indoor and outdoor and P. australasiae infesting mainly boats. Color figures in natural size are presented for all species in order to help their identification.

Effectiveness of education for control of house dust mites and cockroaches in Seoul, Korea

We evaluated the efficacy of health education in reducing indoor arthropod allergens in Seoul. The mite control measures comprised the use of mite-proof mattress and pillow coverings, regular washing of potentially infested materials, maintenance of a low humidity, removal of carpets, and frequent vacuum cleaning. Cockroach control measures included trapping, application of insecticides, and protecting food. Of 201 homes enrolled in October 1999, 63 volunteers were included in a 2-year follow-up survey between April 2000 and January 2002. Before intervention, the density of mites/g of dust varied greatly; 27.1/g in children's bedding, 20/g in adult bedding, 7.2/g on the floors of children's bedrooms, 6.8/g in sofas, 5.9/g on the floors of adult's bedrooms, 3.9/g on living room floors, 3.7/g in carpets, and 1.9 mites/g on kitchen floors. The predominant mite species and house percentages infested were; Dermatophagoides farinae 93%, D. pteronyssinus 9%, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae 8%. Comparing 1999 and 2001 infestations, before and after 25 mo of education, mite abundance was reduced by 98%, from 23.7 to 0.57 mites/g of dust. In 1999, cockroaches were detected in 62% homes: 36% Blattella germanica and 35% Periplaneta spp., including 9% double infestations of B. germanica and P. americana. Following intervention, cockroach infestation rates decreased to 22% of houses in 2000 and 23% in 2001. We conclude that continuous and repetitive health education resulted in the effective control of domestic arthropods.

Estado de la resistencia a insecticidas en cepas de terreno de la especie Blattella germanica (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) procedentes del municipio Pinar del Río

Se realizó un estudio de los niveles de resistencia a 10 insecticidas: 4 compuestos organofosforados (malation, clorpirifos, pirimifos metil y diazinon), 2 carbamatos (propoxur y bendiocarb) y 4 piretroides (cipermetrina, deltametrina, lambdacialotrina y ciflutrina) en 5 cepas de Blattella germanica (Linnaeus, 1767) colectadas en el terreno, procedentes de la ciudad de Pinar del Río. Se detectaron altos niveles de resistencia a los insecticidas: bendiocarb, cipermetrina y deltametrina; bajo nivel de resistencia a diazinon; moderada a alta a pirimifos metil; así como, susceptibilidad a un insecticida de cada grupo en estudio: clorpirifos (organofosforado), propoxur (carbamato) y ciflutrina (piretroide). Solo una cepa presentó baja resistencia a malation (Inicio Carlos Manuel) y a lambdacialotrina (Consejo Celso Maragoto). Se evidenció resistencia cruzada cipermetrina-deltametrina, que no afectó la susceptibilidad a los piretroides lambdacialotrina y ciflutrina.

A study of the levels of resistance to 10 insecticides: 4 organophosphate compounds (malathion, clorpirifos, methyl-pyrimifos and diazinon), 2 carbamates (propoxur and bendiocarb) and 4 pyrethroids (cypermethrin, deltamethrin, lamda-cyhalothrin and cyfluthrin) was conducted in 5 strains of Blatella germanica (Linnaeus, 1767) collected in the field of Pinar del Río. High levels of resistance to bediocarb, cypermethrin and deltamethrin insecticides; low level of resistance to diazinon; from moderate to high resistance to methyl-pyrimifos, as well as susceptibility to one insecticide in each study group: clorpirifos (organophosphate), propoxur (carbamate) and cyfluthrin (pyrethroid); were detected. Only a strain presented low resistance to malathion (Inicio Carlos Manuel) and to lambda-cyhalothrin (Consejo Celso Maragoto). Cypermethrin-deltamethrin cross resistance was evidenced. It did not affect the susceptibility to lambda-cyalothrin and cyfluthrin.

A Case of Factitious Urticaria Strongly Responded to Cockroach Extracts / 대한피부과학회지

The impact of indoor allergens is greater than that of outdoor or occupational environments. Cockroaches have been demonstrated to be an etiologic factor in allergic diseases, especially in patients with lower socioeconomic classes in large urban areas. Infestations of cockroaches are largely dependent on housing conditions, and hypersensitivity is dependent on exposure. We herein report a 38-year-old man with factitious urticaria revealed strong positive reactions to crude extracts of American cockroach and German cockroach at a skin pinprick test and Western blot analysis.