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A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
Occupational allergy in strawberry greenhouse workers
J A Patiwael1, L G J Vullings, N W de Jong
1Section of Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.patiwael@erasmusmc.nl
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|November 27, 2009
Summary
Occupational allergy to strawberry pollen affects greenhouse workers, causing work-related symptoms. This study confirms IgE-mediated sensitization to strawberry pollen in affected employees.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Allergology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Strawberry greenhouse workers face high exposure to potential allergens.
- No prior occupational allergies were documented in this sector.
- This study investigates work-related allergic symptoms and their underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize work-related allergic symptoms in strawberry greenhouse workers.
- To demonstrate the role of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy in these symptoms.
- To explore potential cross-reactivity with common pollen allergens.
Main Methods:
- A survey of strawberry workers in the Netherlands identified symptomatic individuals.
- Detailed investigation of three symptomatic workers included skin tests, serum-specific IgE, immunoblots, and nasal provocation tests.
- Inhibition experiments were conducted to assess IgE cross-reactivity.
Main Results:
- 38.7% of surveyed workers reported work-related symptoms.
- All three investigated workers showed sensitization to strawberry pollen via skin tests.
- Immunological tests confirmed IgE binding to strawberry pollen in two workers, with partial cross-reactivity to birch/grass pollen in one.
- Nasal provocation confirmed clinically relevant allergies in two subjects.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of strawberry greenhouse employees experience work-related allergic symptoms.
- Occupational allergy to strawberry pollen, mediated by IgE, is a likely cause of these symptoms.
- Further research into allergen exposure and control measures is warranted.
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