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Exploring a rare case of occupational senna allergy
L Carneiro-Leão1, L Amaral1, D Silva1
1Serviço de Imunoalergologia, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|November 30, 2018
Summary
Senna (Cassia angustifolia) can cause occupational allergies, leading to respiratory and eye symptoms. This study confirms senna allergy through specific testing, highlighting its potential as an occupational sensitizer.
Area of Science:
- Allergology
- Occupational Medicine
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- Cassia angustifolia (senna) is utilized for its laxative properties and as a hair dye colorant.
- Occupational sensitization to senna is infrequently documented in scientific literature.
Observation:
- A male worker in a phytopharmaceutical warehouse experienced immediate bronchial, conjunctival, and nasal symptoms upon senna exposure.
- Diagnostic investigations were performed to assess a suspected occupational allergy to senna.
Findings:
- In vitro analysis identified IgE-binding proteins within senna extracts.
- In vivo sensitization was confirmed via positive skin prick tests and a conjunctival provocation test.
- The study demonstrates senna's capacity to induce allergic sensitization.
Implications:
- Senna can be an occupational allergen, triggering rhinoconjunctivitis via an IgE-mediated pathway.
- This research provides the first confirmation of senna allergy using a specific conjunctival provocation test.
- Healthcare professionals should consider senna allergy in workers with relevant exposure and symptoms.
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