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Diagnostic tests in allergy to green coffee
Allergy
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Occupational allergy in coffee roastery workers can be diagnosed using skin prick tests and bronchial provocation tests. Specific IgE antibodies to green coffee bean extract were linked to decreased lung function over a week.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Allergology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Coffee roastery workers can develop work-related respiratory and ocular symptoms.
- Exposure to green coffee beans (GCB) dust is a potential occupational allergen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of allergy to GCB in symptomatic coffee roastery workers.
- To evaluate diagnostic tools for occupational allergy.
Main Methods:
- Skin prick tests with GCB extract.
- Bronchial and nasal provocation tests.
- Methacholine challenge test for bronchial hyperreactivity.
- Measurement of specific IgE antibodies to GCB and castor bean (CB) extracts.
- Serial lung function measurements over one week.
Main Results:
- 18/22 workers had positive skin prick tests to GCB.
- Specific IgE to GCB was found in 11 workers, and to CB in 16.
- Workers with IgE to GCB showed reduced lung function in the second half of the week.
- 14 workers had non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity.
Conclusions:
- Case history, skin prick tests, RAST, and short-term lung function tests are effective for diagnosing occupational allergy.
- For unknown allergens, serial lung function tests and total IgE measurements are valuable initial steps.