Prevalence of Latex Hypersensitiviity Among ealth Care

Immediate hypersensitivity reaction to latex was first reported in Germany in 1927'. The next report appeared 1ll 1979 when Nutter2 described a case of contact urticaria due to the use of household gloves. Since then, there has been considerable increase in the number of reported cases of immediate type hypersensitivity to latex products. The clinical manifestations of the allergic reaction concerned are similar to symptoms experienced by anyone who is allergic to food, drug, animal dander or pollen. These include urticaria, asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and even anaphylactic reactions. The allergic reaction is mediated by IgE. Latex antigens bind and cross-link the IgE antibodies on surface of mast cells, leading to mast cell degranulation and subsequent release of various mediators 3. The release of these mediators cause increased vascular permeability, vasodilation and bronchoconstriction, all being