Latex hypersensitivity: an update

Products containing natural rubber latex can cause both delayed and immediate hypersensitivity. Delayed reactions are induced by chemicals, primarily antidegradants and accelerators, integral to the manufacturing process. Immediate hypersensitivity is caused by protein antigen(s) that occur naturally in the latex. Different manufacturing stages can influence the concentration of these antigens, hence the allergenicity of the final product. The implications of manufacturing and regulatory issues for the diagnosis and treatment of natural rubber latex allergies are therefore discussed.