Immunochemical quantitation, size distribution, and cross-reactivity of Lepidoptera (moth) aeroallergens in southeastern Minnesota

Immunological Aspects of the Immune Response Induced by Mosquito Allergens

“…The clinical manifestations of this response are different from those caused by insect stings [69]. Similar findings have been described in south-eastern Minnesota, where large amounts of outdoor Lepidoptera allergens have been detected, suggesting that the inhalation of insect debris could play an important role in the ethiopathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases [54]. Other biting insects such as fleas are also a source of indoor allergens, but their role as inducers of allergic diseases is less known [70].…”

“…The available evidence and similar findings with regard to other flying insects suggest that asthma and allergic rhinitis might be exacerbated by the inhalation of mosquito allergens, in a similar way to other airborne allergens derived from arthropods such as mites, moths [54], bees [55] and cockroaches [56]. …”

Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis): Newly Identified Important Inhalant Allergens in Bronchial Asthma

“…Using various techniques, insect-related particles of less than 10 µm in size have been demonstrated in the air or dust samples (10-12). Therefore, the significance of insects as a source of inhalant allergens has been widely accepted.…”

Allergic Reactions to Arthropods

“…In much the same way as moth fragments are detectable in outside or inside air [ 16,17], a significant correlation exists between airborne aller gen and dry weight of insects collected up to 4 weeks before for the non-biting midges of the family Chironomidae [34], These midges often have large seasonal popula tion increases in a similar way to the mayflies and caddis flies [2,3]; however, in many endemic areas these large populations occur throughout the summer period rather than during just a few days. Additionally it is common for such insects to be attracted by household lights, and they can be found in large numbers resting on the walls of dwellings and workplaces during summer months.…”

“…If these hairs lodge in the cornea of the eye, either from direct contact with larvae or when blown by wind, this may result in long-term damage to the tissue. Although most allergic reactions to moths and caterpillars occur following direct physical contact with the whole animal, the hairs from both stages may be shed into the environment, and fragments of hairs from larvae and adults and scales from adult's wings can be collected by open air sampling as particles up to around 4.1 pm, with sample protein peaks corresponding to the greatest seasonal population densities of the moths [16,17]. In cultures of moths used for fishing bait and in cases of 19].…”