Report of occupational asthma due to phytase and β-glucanase

• Published in: Occupational and environmental medicine (London, England) England), 2001-06, Vol.58 (6), p.417-419
• Main Authors: O'Connor, T M, Bourke, J F, Jones, M, Brennan, N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 6-phytase; 6-Phytase - adverse effects; Adult; Allergic diseases; Animal Feed; Asthma; Asthma - chemically induced; b-glucanase; Biological and medical sciences; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Cellulase - adverse effects; Demographic aspects; Digestive enzymes; Enzymes; Factories; Food Additives - adverse effects; Humans; Immunopathology; Male; Medical sciences; occupational asthma; Occupational diseases; Occupational Diseases - chemically induced; phytase; Respiratory and ent allergic diseases; Respiratory diseases; Short Report; Skin Tests; Spirometry; Viscosity; Vital capacity; Workplaces; β-glucanase
• ISSN: 1351-0711; 1470-7926
• DOI: 10.1136/oem.58.6.417

OBJECTIVES Occupational asthma is the principal cause of respiratory disease in the workplace. The enzymes phytase and β-glucanase are used in the agricultural industry to optimise the nutritional value of animal feeds. A relation between these enzymes and occupational asthma in a 43 year old man was suspected. METHODS Inhalation challenge tests were performed with the enzymes phytase, β-glucanase, and amylase. Skin prick tests were performed with the enzymes diluted to a concentration of 1 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml. Specific IgE to phytase and β-glucanase were measured with a radioallergosorbent test. RESULTS Baseline spirometry values were normal. A histamine challenge test showed bronchial hyperreactivity. Exposure to phytase and β-glucanase led to significant reductions in forced vital capacity and forced expired volume in 1 second. No significant differences were noted after exposure to amylase. Skin tests showed a positive reaction to β-glucanase (5 mm) at a concentration of 1 mg/ml and positive reactions to β-glucanase (7 mm) and phytase (5 mm) at a concentration of 5 mg/ml. Similarly specific IgE was present against both phytase and β-glucanase, at 2.5% and 9.3% binding respectively (2% binding is considered positive). CONCLUSIONS This is the first description of occupational asthma due to the enzymes phytase and β-glucanase. Their addition to the ever increasing list of substances associated with occupational asthma will have notable implications for those exposed to these enzymes.