In an article published in the November edition of The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers hypothesized that inner-city children might have antibodies to cockroach and mouse proteins by age 3 years and that their presence would be associated with respiratory and allergic symptoms. Children were followed from birth through age 3 years and residential levels of cockroach and mouse allergens, antibody levels, and parental report of wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema were measured. The results showed that children age 2 to 3 years who have antibodies to cockroach and mouse proteins are at increased risk of wheeze and allergy. The authors also concluded that these findings indicate the importance of reducing exposure to cockroach and mouse allergens for susceptible children.

To view the abstract of this study, visit //www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(08)01667-9/abstract.