Cockroach is the second most common allergen among Hongkongers suffering from allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema, second only to dust mites. An international study led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) ‘s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) has unraveled the world’s most comprehensive genome profile for the American cockroach (Periplaneta Americana), the most common in Hong Kong and identifies seven novel cockroach allergens. The study will help design effective immunotherapy for cockroach allergy.
CUHK’s CU Medicine led the study in collaboration with universities in Shenzhen and Thailand. According to CUHK, among these allergic individuals, cockroaches account for 45 percent of the sensitization rate and are one of the most common triggers, second to dust mites. Cockroaches are also responsible for a higher risk of developing asthma and for higher morbidity in asthmatics….