Latex sensitization: occupational versus general population prevalence rates

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Natural rubber latex (NRL) sensitization is an emerging occupational health issue, particularly for healthcare workers (HCWs).
• Some reports suggest NRL sensitization prevalence in occupationally exposed groups is similar to the general population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review prevalence studies and assess evidence comparing NRL sensitization in occupationally exposed and general populations.
• To determine if NRL sensitization rates differ significantly between HCWs and the general public.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published prevalence studies on NRL sensitization.
• Analysis of data from healthcare workers and general population groups.
• Comparison of results from skin prick tests (SPT) and serum-specific IgE assays.

Main Results:

• Healthcare worker (HCW) NRL sensitization prevalence ranges from 5-12%, with potential clinical effects like asthma and anaphylaxis.
• General population NRL allergy prevalence is consistently low (<1%), confirmed by recent Finnish studies (0.7-1.1%) and SPT-based research (≤1%).
• Discrepancies exist with some serological assays suggesting higher prevalence (4-6.4%), but these assays may lack specificity.

Conclusions:

• Recent studies using skin testing support earlier findings of low NRL sensitization prevalence (<1%) in the general, occupationally unexposed population.
• Observed differences in prevalence between serological assays and skin testing warrant further investigation due to potential issues with assay specificity.