Millions of people will no longer be allergic by a tiny bug

A new study shows that a tiny bug can save more than 2 million people from allergies in Europe and save over 1 billion euros in medical costs.

Dr Urs Schaffner, lead author of the study published in Nature Communications, said the Ophraella Communa beetle can significantly reduce pollen levels - which cause a range of symptoms from sneezing to sneezing. Itchy eyes and aggravation of asthma and eczema - from the common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia).

This interdisciplinary study - the first to quantify the economic value of biological control in Europe, also argues that damage by invasive species in Europe may not be taken seriously.

This beetle will help reduce allergies in Europe quickly.

The group of scientists from institutions including the University of Friborg and ETH Zurich, Switzerland, the University of Worcester, the United Kingdom and the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, proposes Balkan Peninsula countries such as Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia - will benefit most from this beetle as a biological control.

Before the accidental arrival of beetles in 2013, about 13.5 million people were allergic to ragweed in Europe, resulting in economic losses of approximately 7.4 billion Euros per year.

In Europe, ragweed is commonly considered an invasive species in more than 30 countries, and according to scientists, it spreads and affects like an increase in temperature due to climate change.

Field research in Italy demonstrates that beetles can reduce pollen grass pollen by 82%. In the Milan region, where the first beetle was discovered, nearly 100% of ragweed was attacked, and the damage caused was enough to stop the flowering - the event that helped the pollen to be released.

Dr Schaffner said: "This study provides evidence that the impact of common ragweed on human health and the economy has not been properly assessed, but biological control by bugs. Ophraella communa can minimize the effects in parts of Europe ".

"The research team proposed that future assessments of the economic impacts of invasive species (IAS) should be carefully considered for all costs related to human health."

The scientists extracted information from the European Pollen Monitoring Program before making a seasonal, comprehensive map of all pollen of pollen in Europe between 2004 and 2012 - before appearing. this beetle. They then interpolated data from 296 pollen monitoring areas across Europe.

To validate estimates of patients with ragweed pollen allergies, the researchers compared their extensive European evaluation with detailed Rhône-Alpes region health data in the region. Southeast of France.

They then weighed the cost of treatment and time off work at the national level using the purchasing power parity index - adjusted per capita health expenditures for 2015 - to determine the overall cost. economics of health care to treat the symptoms and other effects of ragweed pollen.

Professor Heinz Müller-Schärer of the University of Friborg said: "We are not sure from the beginning whether beetles are beneficial or harmful species. Laboratory tests have shown that they may be harmful to humans. sun, however, field tests in China and Europe did not confirm this result. "

Dr. Schaffer, Professor Heinz Müller-Schärer and the authors conclude that: "accurate information of policy and management on the impact of invasive species on human health and the potential for saving - depending on on the implementation of mitigation measures - it is necessary to ensure that reasonable resources are invested and coordinated actions in managing invasive species. "

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