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Natural rubber latex allergy and asthma
1Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, Ontario, Canada. susan.tarlo@utoronto.ca
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|January 5, 2001
Summary
Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy remains a concern, particularly for healthcare workers. Recent advancements focus on better diagnostics and prevention, with evidence suggesting powdered glove avoidance reduces worker sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Occupational Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex (NRL) are frequently reported.
- Occupational exposure, primarily through NRL glove use by healthcare workers, is a significant concern.
- Ongoing research addresses diagnostic methods, allergen characterization, and prevention strategies for NRL allergy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding and managing natural rubber latex allergy.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic tools and preventive measures.
- To characterize NRL allergens and their relevance to different patient populations.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of in vitro diagnostic tests for NRL allergy.
- Characterization of NRL allergens, including the development of recombinant Hev b 3.
- Evaluation of preliminary data on primary preventive strategies, such as glove selection.
Main Results:
- In vitro tests show good correlation but lower sensitivity than skin tests for NRL allergy diagnosis.
- Further characterization of NRL allergens has been achieved.
- Recombinant Hev b 3, a key allergen for children with spina bifida, is now available for diagnostic reagent development.
- Preliminary findings indicate that avoiding high-protein, powdered gloves in healthcare settings is cost-effective and reduces worker sensitization.
Conclusions:
- Improved diagnostic reagents are anticipated with the characterization of NRL allergens like Hev b 3.
- Primary prevention strategies, including the avoidance of certain types of NRL gloves, show promise in reducing occupational sensitization.
- Continued research is vital for managing and preventing natural rubber latex allergy in at-risk populations.