[Latex: an allergological emergency? An update and outlook]

Allergy to latex has become an increasing and clinically important problem during last years. Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy has been acknowledged as a major occupation problem among health-care workers. More recently, NRL allergy also occurs in children with spina bifida and in atopic children. Even patients allergic to various fruits, such as banana and avocado may experience allergic reaction from NRL and vice versa. Different latex allergens have been characterized at the molecular level using varied techniques and heterogeneous latex materials. Little is known about prevalence and clinical relevance of latex sensitization and allergy in the general population although the incidence is increasing in children. The wide spectrum of symptoms of NRL allergy range from mild contact urticaria to asthma and anaphylactic reactions. History is an integral part to identify latex allergy. Different tests (skin prick tests, RAST, Pricking, Use test) have been used to objectively supplement the history. Latex allergy must be prevented by the standardization of medical gloves including the labeling of latex content and allergenicity; furthermore the industrial strategies may also develop new methods of less allergenic gloves and other NRL products.