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Oilseed rape flour: another allergen causing occupational asthma among farmers
M J Alvarez1, J L Estrada, F Gozalo
1Sección de Alergología, Hospital de León, Spain.
Allergy
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Oilseed rape (OSR) in animal fodder can cause occupational asthma (OA) in farmers. Inhalation of OSR flour leads to bronchoconstriction and increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness in sensitized individuals.
Area of Science:
- Occupational medicine
- Allergology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Farmers face diverse sensitizer exposures.
- Occupational asthma (OA) can cause permanent disability.
- Identifying allergens is crucial for managing OA when exposure cessation isn't feasible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate oilseed rape (OSR) as a potential cause of OA in farmers.
- To assess the immunological and respiratory responses to OSR exposure.
Main Methods:
- Three farmers with OA underwent skin testing with OSR extract and other allergens.
- Serum IgE levels and bronchial provocation tests (OSR-BPT, methacholine challenge) were performed.
- Induced sputum analysis measured eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels.
Main Results:
- All patients showed OSR sensitization via skin tests and specific IgE.
- OSR-BPT triggered early responses in two subjects.
- Methacholine sensitivity, sputum eosinophils, and ECP levels significantly increased post-OSR-BPT.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled OSR flour induces bronchoconstriction and eosinophilic inflammation in sensitized asthmatics.
- OSR flour in animal fodder is a potential occupational asthma trigger for farmers.
- This highlights the need to consider OSR in the differential diagnosis of farmer's asthma.