Journal of Medical Entomology (2010) 47, 1062-1070

Tomas Erban, Vaclav Stejskal, Radek Aulicky, Iva Krizkova-Kudlikova, Marta Nesvorna and Jan Hubert (2010)
The influence of environmental temperature and humidity on temporal decomposition of cockroach allergens Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 in feces
Journal of Medical Entomology 47 (6), 1062-1070
Abstract: The aim of the study was to establish a model of the environmental fate of German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.) allergens Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 in feces under controlled and field conditions. Temporal decline (3, 6, and 9 mo) of allergens Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 in the feces protected from cleaning was measured under laboratory and experimental household conditions. The influence of environmental temperature (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C) and moisture (53, 75, 85, and 100% RH) on allergen degradation was estimated for 3, 6, and 9 mo. Bla g 1 was more stable than Bla g 2 and the proteins. The proteins and Bla g 2 contents were correlated negatively with the decomposition time; Bla g 1 was not. However, when the content of Bla g 1 in control and exposed tubes was compared, the decrease after exposure was significant at exposure in 35°C, 53 and 100% RH. In laboratory, the shortest half-life (16-38 d) of Bla g 2 was at high temperature and humidity (100% RH at 35°C), whereas the longest half-life (340 d) was at 25°C and 85% RH. In the apartment, the half-life was 406 d. The results indicate that Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 allergens can persist in feces for several months under usual household humidity and temperature.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jan Hubert, Tomas Erban, Vaclav Stejskal

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
molecular biology - genes
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Blattella germanica		Czech Republic