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Outbreak of contact sensitization to methylisothiazolinone: an analysis of French data from the REVIDAL-GERDA network
Stéphanie Hosteing1, Nicolas Meyer, Julie Waton
1Department of Dermatology, Larrey Hospital, Paul Sabatier University, 31059, Toulouse, France.
Background:
The preservative methylisothiazolinone (MI) is used in combination with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), but the MCI/MI mixture has been identified as highly allergenic. MI is considered to be less allergenic, and since the mid-2000s has been widely used alone, but is now clearly identified as a contact allergen. The French Vigilance Network for Dermatology and Allergy of the Study and Research Group on Contact Dermatitis (REVIDAL-GERDA) added MI to its baseline patch testing series in 2010.
Objective:
To evaluate the change in the proportion of MI-positive tests in France between 2010 and 2012.
Patients/Materials/Methods:
We conducted a nationwide, multicentre, retrospective study of all MI-tested patients between 2010 and 2012.
Results:
Sixteen centres participated in the study (7874 patients were tested). Patch tests were performed mainly at a concentration of MI 200 ppm aq. We observed a significant increase in the proportion of MI-positive tests in 2012 and 2011 as compared with 2010 (5.6%, 3.3%, and 1.5%, respectively; p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
We report a significant increase in the number of MI-positive tests. MI is confirmed to be a rapidly emerging allergen, as also observed in other European countries.
Insights
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is increasingly recognized as a contact allergen. Studies show a significant rise in MI-positive patch tests in France from 2010 to 2012, confirming its emerging allergen status.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methylisothiazolinone (MI) was initially used with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) but is now widely used alone.
- MI is increasingly identified as a significant contact allergen.
- The French REVIDAL-GERDA network incorporated MI into standard patch testing in 2010.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the trend of methylisothiazolinone (MI) positive patch tests in France.
- To evaluate changes in MI allergy prevalence between 2010 and 2012.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted across 16 dermatology centers in France.
- Data from 7,874 patients patch tested for MI between 2010 and 2012 were analyzed.
- The standard concentration for MI patch testing was 200 ppm.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in MI-positive patch tests was observed.
- The proportion of positive MI tests rose from 1.5% in 2010 to 3.3% in 2011 and 5.6% in 2012.
- The observed increase was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a rapidly emerging contact allergen.
- The findings align with observations of increasing MI allergy in other European countries.
- This highlights the need for continued monitoring of MI sensitization.
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