Exposure to mouse can cause more asthma-related issues in children than cockroach

Scientists have found that exposure to mouse could cause more asthma-related emergency department visits for children than exposure to cockroach.

The study examined 49 children under the age of 4, residing in the Bronx, New York. Both skin prick testing and blood tests were done to determine allergic response. Children who were found to be allergic to mice - based on either testing method - appeared to be more likely to have had at least one asthma-related emergency department visit in the prior 12 months compared to children not allergic to mice. Allergy to roach - based on either testing method - did not predict asthma-related emergency department visits in the prior 12 months.

The study concluded that mice infestation was a strong predictor of mouse-specific allergy and risk for flares of asthma in young, inner-city children - stronger than roach infestation and roach allergy.

The study is being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting.