Chinese University of Hong Kong researchers find ‘most complete’ genome profile for American cockroaches to improve treatment of allergy to insect

University researchers in Hong Kong say they have discovered the world’s most comprehensive genome profile for American cockroaches and that it may help in developing a more precise way of detecting and treating allergies to the insects.

Using the genome profile, researchers from Chinese University said they were also able to find seven new allergens in the cockroaches.

Professor Stephen Tsui Kwok-wing of the university’s School of Biomedical Sciences said while others had studied the genome profile of American cockroaches, his team was able to find the most comprehensive method so far.

“Having the most complete genome profile is useful for discovering allergens,” he said, referring to substances in animals or food that could cause allergic reactions. “We can also study how to prevent cockroaches, such as producing pesticide, or how to control them.”

Tsui said allergens from cockroaches mostly originated from their excrement or secretion from their decayed bodies. He added that their genome profiles were made available for scientists around the world, which they could make use of in their research.

The research, which began in 2018, was led by Tsui and Professor Anchalee Tungtrongchitr, a cockroach allergy expert from Thailand’s Mahidol University. It focused on American cockroaches, one of the most common types in Hong Kong. Their findings were published in the scientific journal Allergy last September.

According to researchers, one-third of the child population in the city has been diagnosed with airway allergies, with more than 80 per cent and 30 per cent being sensitive to dust mites and cockroaches, respectively. Cockroaches are the second most common trigger of allergic diseases in the city. An allergy to cockroaches is mostly found in children as it can disappear during adulthood.