Clinical significance of cross-reactivity between tobacco and latex

Allergen cross-reactivity between tobacco and other species of Solanaceae family (tomato, potato, aubergine and egg plant) have been reported. We have recently studied IgE response to tobacco in asthmatic patients sensitised to Lolium perenne (Perennial rye grass pollen) and have found that 30% of the tobacco responsive patients also have latex sensitisation.

The aim of our study was to investigate the possibility of cross-reactivity between tobacco and latex in asthmatic patients with IgE response to latex.

A study was performed on tobacco and latex exposure in 15 patients who suffered from asthma and latex sensitisation and who were randomly chosen from our database of latex-sensitive patients. To identify tobacco and latex as possible allergens that might cause clinical specific responses, all these patients were tested with prick-tests, specific IgE to tobacco, latex and related allergens, bronchial challenge, and patch tests with tobacco, latex and nicotine. Immunological response was evaluated with immunoblotting, immunoblotting-inhibition and EAST-inhibition tests.

Positive prick and bronchial challenge with specific IgE>0.35 kU/L to tobacco was demonstrated in 11 asthmatics who were also sensitised to rye grass. Tobacco IgE level was related with sensitisation to latex (p<0.002), but not to other vegetables belonging to the Solanaceae family. EAST-inhibition and immunoblotting-inhibition showed the existence of cross-reactivity between tobacco and latex.

Cross-reactivity exists between latex and tobacco allergens. Smoker patients with IgE response to tobacco may be a risk population for latex sensitisation.