i76 Berlin beetle (Khapra beetle)

Allergens within Insects

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  • Latin name: Trogoderma angustum (Solier)
  • Family: Dermestidae
  • Source material: Whole dried larvae
The beetle was reported to be a common pest in Berlin.

Allergen Exposure

Trogoderma is a genus of the Dermestidae family commonly found in warehouses, farm granaries, flour mills and food-packaging plants. From the food-packaging plants, the Berlin beetle may be transported to homes and infest food materials. It can also infest household food products after breeding in carpets, bird or insect nests, dead rodents etc. (1). Central heating is a prerequisite for survival of this desert insect. The exposure includes both beetle and larvae (2-3, 5).
Reports indicate that the distribution of the Berlin beetle (Khapra beetle), Trogoderma angustum, is worldwide.

Potential Cross-Reactivity

No cross-reactivity has been reported between Trogoderma angustum and cockroaches, although cross-reactivity is known within insects (3).

Clinical Experience

Sensitization has been shown in perennial asthma and rhinitis patients where asthmatics reacted more severely to the skin test than patients with rhinitis (2-4). The exposure includes both beetle and larvae. (2-3, 5). The beetle was reported to be a common pest in Berlin. Results show approximately 30-40% positive reaction to Trogoderma-extract in patients with known inhalation allergy (2-3).
 
Review
Reports indicate that the distribution of the Berlin beetle (Khapra beetle), Trogoderma angustum, is worldwide.

Trogoderma is a genus of the Dermestidae family commonly found in warehouses, farm granaries, flour mills and food-packaging plants. From the food-packaging plants, the Berlin beetle may be transported to homes and infest food materials. It can also infest household food products after breeding in carpets, bird or insect nests, dead rodents etc. (1). Central heating is a prerequisite for survival of this desert insect.

The beetle was reported to be a common pest in Berlin. Results show approximately 30-40% positive reaction to Trogoderma-extract in patients with known inhalation allergy (2-3).

Sensitization has been shown in perennial asthma and rhinitis patients where asthmatics reacted more severely to the skin test than patients with rhinitis (2-4).
 
The exposure includes both beetle and larvae. (2-3, 5).

No cross-reactivity has been reported between Trogoderma angustum and cockroaches, although cross-reactivity is known within insects (3). 

References:

    1. Jung D. Schäden und Schädigungen durch die Käferart Trogoderma angustum SOL. Forum Umwelt Hygiene. 1976;2:76-7.
    2. Rudolph R, Jung D, Baumgarten C, Kunkel G, Diller G, Kossak G, Schniggenberg E. Zur Häufigkeit positiver Hauttestreaktionen auf Larvenhaut - Extrakte von Trogoderma Angustum Sol. Z. Hautkr. 1980;55:6-13.
    3. Klaschka F, Rudolf R. Trogoderma-Allergie: Eine neue klinische Erfahrung. Z. Hautkr. 1980;55:1411-6.
    4. Mosimann B, Peitrequin R, Blanc C, Pécoud A. Allergie aux blattes (cafards) dans une population siusse souffrant d'asthme et de rhinite chroniques. Schweiz. med. Wschr 1992;122:1245-8.
    5. Klaschka F, Rudolf R. Larven von Trogoderma Angustum Solier - ein neues Inhalationsallergen. Dermatosen 1981;29:9-11.

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