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JACI Highlights - February 2007
Nakazawa et al - Asian ladybugs (Harmonia axyridis): A new seasonal indoor allergen
In the February 2007 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Nakazawa and colleagues investigate sensitization to the Asian Ladybug. Following its first introduction to the United States from Asia in 1916, the ladybug was repeatedly released as an ecological control for aphids by entomologists until 1990. It was believed the ladybug population would be controlled by the cold winters. However, although these beetles are intolerant to cold, they move indoors during the winter. This seasonal infestation of homes has given rise to a new source of indoor allergens. In their investigation of sensitization to the Asian Ladybug, the authors defined two major allergens. Patients with sensitivity to ladybugs have presented with a range of allergic symptoms. Treatment approaches are limited because avoidance is difficult and immunotherapy can only be administered on an individual basis.
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