Abstract: AIM:To understand the relationship between bedbug antigen and bronchial asthma. METHODS: Skin test was
used in 320 cases(male 146, female 174 ) of bronchial asthma. Histamine release test of basophils( HRBT) and the
detection of specific IgE against the bedbug antigen were done in 36 cases. RESULTS: 202 cases ( 63.1% ) showed a
positive reaction out of 36 cases to the antigen extracted from bedbugs by skin test. 33 cases and 24 cases showed
positive in HRBT and IgE detection, respectively. CONCLUSION: The antigen of temperate zone bedbug (Cimex lectularius) is possibly related to the occurrence of allergic asthma in Nanjing area.

Key words: Bedbug, antigen, bronchial asthma