Latex allergy in health care workers in Taiwan : prevalence, clinical features

Latex allergy is becoming a major health concern among healthcare workers, of whom approximately 2.8 to 18% are reportedly sensitized. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of a natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy screening program to identify sensitized hospital employees. Nurses (n =...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International archives of occupational and environmental health 2007-04, Vol.80 (5), p.455-457
Main Authors: WAN, Kong-Sang, LUE, Hung-Chi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergic diseases
Allergies
Biological and medical sciences
Gloves
Health care
Hospitals
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Immunoglobulin E - analysis
Immunoglobulin E - blood
Immunopathology
Latex
Latex Hypersensitivity - blood
Latex Hypersensitivity - epidemiology
Lycopersicon esculentum
Medical equipment
Medical personnel
Medical sciences
Musa
Nursing Staff, Hospital
Occupational Exposure - analysis
Skin allergic diseases. Stinging insect allergies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Taiwan - epidemiology
Tomatoes
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Summary:Latex allergy is becoming a major health concern among healthcare workers, of whom approximately 2.8 to 18% are reportedly sensitized. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of a natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy screening program to identify sensitized hospital employees. Nurses (n = 130) assigned to operating theaters and intensive care units were evaluated using a written questionnaire for symptoms of atopy (asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczyma), possible reactions to latex gloves, other medical devices and previous surgery. Serological testing for total immunoglobulin E (IgE), latex-specific IgE, and specific-IgE to melon, banana, kiwi, tomato, and chestnut were performed using Pharmacia CAP radioallergosorbent tests. Skin pick test (SPT) for latex allergen was also performed. Elevated serum total IgE was found in 22(16.9%) of the 130 nurses, 3(16.7%) of whom had increased latex-specific IgE further confirmed by SPT. The overall prevalence of latex allergy was 2.3% (3/130). No cross reactive fruit-allergy was found among the latex-sensitized nurses. This study supports the existence of other forms of atopy are related to an increased risk of latex sensitization. The NRL screening program used in this study is feasible for use in identifying latex-sensitized employees.
ISSN:0340-0131
1432-1246
DOI:10.1007/s00420-006-0146-z