Identification of allergenic proteins in condoms by immunoenzymatic methods

A large increase of allergy to latex proteins has been observed lately probably as a result of a great use of latex-containing goods. At present these untoward reactions have led to consideration of this problem as a health and occupational hazard. It is therefore, necessary to identify the allergens contained in latex-manufactured products and to develop effective diagnostic tools to detect sensitized individuals.

The objective of this study is to identify antigenic and allergenic components in latex condoms by using chemical, immunochemical, and immunoenzymatic methods.

The protein content of extracts obtained from several brands of condoms was determined and characterized by using a modified Lowry method, a quantitative ELISA assay and SDS-PAGE. The allergenic behavior of these proteins was studied by IgE immunoblotting, EAST and ELISA techniques, using sera from subjects allergic to latex products, particularly to latex condoms.

Wide variations in the protein content (38 to 740 microg/g product) and composition were observed. The SDS-PAGE protein profiles showed components ranging from 7 to 94 kD of relative molecular weights; most of them were also detected in natural rubber latex. The most prominent bands were revealed in the 14 and 30 kD zones. A strong band of 69 kD in the SDS-PAGE profiles would correspond to a neoantigen, since it was not observed in natural latex. The immunoblotting analysis employing sera from 5 patients allergic to latex condoms showed the presence of 4 components with IgE binding capacity (14, 30, 69, and 94 kD). The EAST and ELISA methods showed the presence of allergens in all the condom brands studied.

The presence of allergenic proteins in several condom brands was demonstrated by different immunoenzymatic methods.