[Immediate hypersensitivity in the development of contact sensitivity to disinfectant agents]

In 53 female health service workers with contact allergy to disinfectants (formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, benzalkonium, lisoformine) the results of skin prick tests using common environment allergens were analysed, and concentrations of total IgE in blood serum were identified. In 29 (54.7%) persons positive prick tests (Dermatophytes--21, pollens--21, latex--7, domestic dust--5, goose and duck feathers--3, dog hair--2, and cat hair--1) were noted. In the whole group mean IgE concentration accounted for 88.2 kU/1, whereas in the group with positive skin prick test the value increased to 136.1 kU/1. The authors are of the opinion that in patients with contact allergy to disinfectant some symptoms of atopic diathesis are observed.