
Cockroach allergen is a well-recognized trigger for asthma and allergic rhinitis, but the clinical significance of isolated cockroach sensitization remains poorly understood. Sensitization does not always equate to clinically relevant allergy. Objective: To assess the prevalence, clinical profile, co-sensitization patterns, pseudopod behaviour, and statistical associations related to cockroach sensitization among young adults undergoing skin prick testing (SPT) in a tertiary centre. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 97 valid SPTs performed at AIMSR, Hyderabad. Participants were categorized into: (1) Isolated cockroach sensitization, (2) Cockroach + other allergens, (3) Non-cockroach sensitizations. Clinical characteristics were extracted from standardized questionnaires. Sensitization associations were analysed using Fisher’s exact test and odds ratios. Results: Cockroach sensitization was observed in 40.2% (39/97). Only 20.5% (8/39) exhibited isolated cockroach sensitization, most of whom were asymptomatic. In contrast, polysensitized subjects (n=31) demonstrated high rates of persistent rhinitis, wheeze/asthma, skin symptoms, and strong family history. Cockroach-specific pseudopods occurred in 64.1% of sensitized participants. The only statistically significant co-sensitization was with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) (OR=2.7, p=0.04). Chenopodium and Ricinus showed borderline trends. No systemic reactions occurred. Conclusion: Isolated cockroach sensitization represents silent IgE positivity without clinical disease in most cases, whereas cockroach sensitization within a polysensitized profile identifies a high-risk atopic phenotype. Cockroach SPT positivity must be interpreted with careful clinical correlation.
Indian population, skin prick test, polysensitization, pseudopods, Cockroach allergy, sensitization
Indian population, skin prick test, polysensitization, pseudopods, Cockroach allergy, sensitization
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