Atex allergy in health care workers

Presented was a review of the literature devoted to allergy to the components of latex among health care workers. Described were three types of reactions to natural rubber latex: (1), contact dermatitis, (2) type I allergic reactions associated with immunoglobulin E, and (3) type IV allergic reactions. Clinical symptoms of latex allergy can manifest as local [contact dermatitis (dermatitis from irritation), allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria] and/or systemic (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, difficulty in breathing attacks, widespread urticaria, Quincke’s edema to the extent of an anaphylactic shock) reactions. For the diagnosis of latex sensitization the applicational («glove») test is of particular importance, which consists of controlled wearing of latex gloves for 1 hour or more before the onset of symptoms of skin irritation, local and systemic allergic reactions become evident. Prick test - the most unified, technological and highly sensitive (up to 97% in the diagnosis of latex sensitization) method out of all the skin tests, virtually eliminates the occurrence of nonspecific reactions due to skin irritation or the reactions of its vessels. In the Russian Federation the prick test for the diagnosis of allergy to latex is not yet available, as the latex allergen has not yet been registered. There are publications, indicating the high sensitivity of the nasal provocation test in the diagnosis of latex allergy. The latex-specific immunoglobulin E is mainly detected by the radioallergosorbent test and enzyme immunoassay, sometimes by immunoblotting. The elimination of contact with latex products is the basis of the etiological treatment. The issue of the rational employment of health workers is very relevant. With latex allergy elimination diet is recommended to eliminate the products with cross-allergenic properties with latex: bananas, avocado, kiwi, chestnuts, peaches, tomatoes, shrimp, walnuts, etc. The usage of powder-free gloves with low allergenic potential led to a sharp reduction in the incidence of allergic reactions to latex among health care workers.

latex allergy, health care workers, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, prevention