Immediate hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex (NRL) has become increasingly common during the last 20 years. It is currently one of the most frequently encountered occupational diseases among the healthcare workers and a problem even in other occupations where protective gloves are used. Several groups at high risk for developing NRL allergy have been defined, including healthcare workers ...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Latex allergy, caused by sensitisation in atopic individuals, is a common occupational disease among healthcare workers who use latex gloves. It may be present in non-atopic individuals as well. The main objective of this study was to document the prevalence and disease spectrum of latex allergy at Mankweng Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The secondary object...

BACKGROUND Solidago virgaurea (goldenrod) is a perennial weed from which no allergens have been identified. A high latex content in its leaves has been reported. Although not an airborne allergen, it may be an important occupational sensitizer. OBJECTIVE To identify allergenic proteins in goldenrod and to determine whether they cross-react with Hevea brasiliensis latex. METHODS Potential cr...

Latex allergy is recognized worldwide as a serious health risk. To date, exposure assessment and intervention strategies have focused primarily on respiratory protection; this work evaluates the potential role of dermal protein penetration in the development of latex allergy. In vitro penetration models using flow-through diffusion cells and both human surgical specimens and hairless guinea pig...

Latex allergy is an important issue in the health care profession as most patient contact involves at least some exposure to protective latex gloves on a daily basis. Although latex glove-allergy was first described among nurses in 1980, allergic reactions to natural rubber began as early as 1927. Japan’s first case was reported in 1992, after which time the prevalence appears to have steadily ...

Results 278 patients, 232 adults (83.5%) and 46 children (16.5%) have been analyzed. The mean age in adults was 34 years (IQR: 26-44) and in children 5 years (IQR: 3-7). 57.2% were women and 42.8% men. 70% had a personal history of atopic disease. Milk and egg, 28.3% each, were the more frequently implicated foods in children. In adults; nuts (39.4%), rosaceae fruits (29.9%) and shellfish (11.6...

This brief review of natural-rubber latex (NRL) allergy in health care workers (HCWs) includes the definition of NRL allergy and data on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic algorithm, management, long-term outcomes, economic impact, cost-effectiveness of changing facilities to a latex-free environment, and prevention. The data presented suggest that an individual with type I or type IV h...