[Anaphylactic reaction to latex, an immediate-type allergen of increasing significance]

We report on two patients with immediate-type allergy to latex, an allergen that is receiving increasing attention. Both patients presented with anaphylactic symptoms after gynecological examination. In addition, one patient reacted with an anaphylactic shock immediately after insertion of a latex intestinal tube for a Holzknecht test. Of all the cases of immediate-type allergy to latex published so far, 45% had localized urticaria, 43% mucocutaneous reaction, and 10% an anaphylactic shock; 74% of the patients were atopic.