[Clinico-immunologic characteristics and prevention of occupational allergic dermatoses due to molybdenum exposure]

Occupational diseases of the skin have been detected in 19.6% of 352 workers engaged in molybdenum production. These diseases are characterized by a relatively low incidence on the dermatitis transformation into eczema and a considerable length of this process, by weak skin reactions to molybdenum tests (with 20% aqueous solution of ammonium paramolybdate), by the predominance of skin itching in the clinical picture, by a secondary pyococcic infection, and by frequent combination of eczema with allergic involvement of the ENT organs. Experimental and clinical immunologic studies have revealed that mostly humoral immune mechanisms with a relatively weak involvement of the T-lymphocytes contribute to the pathogenesis of the dermatoses due to molybdenum exposure; this fact is responsible for poor clinical manifestation of the delayed type hypersensitivity reactions and at the same time a manifest IgE-dependent pattern of allergic reactions. A clear-cut correlation between the frequency of the dermatoses and molybdenum level in environmental dust was detected, as were a considerable molybdenum contamination of the skin and the fact that hot and humid microclimate are conducive to the development of dermatoses. Basing on the results of these studies, the authors have developed recommendations on the diagnosis and prevention of molybdenum-induced dermatoses.