THE LATEX ALLERGEN (Jacki Nasuti)
HOW DANGEROUS IS THIS LATEX ALLERGEN?
It was not until the late 1970's, that Latex was recognized as an allergen. Latex allergy can be extremely dangerous and sometimes lethal. Between 1988-1992, the U.S. (CDC) reported approximately one thousand cases of anaphylactic shock and twelve deaths due to latex exposure in hospitals. Nine deaths occurred in patients that were getting a barium enema using a latex stomach tube. (1)
WHO IS MOST PRONE TO DEVELOPING A LATEX ALLERGY?
The majority of the latex exposure comes from use of latex gloves in medical and dental establishments. According to the FDA, persons in the dental profession are said to have the highest risk factors for developing latex allergy. (2)
WHAT IS THIS ALLERGY ALL ABOUT?
Latex comes from the Hevia brazilienzis rubber tree. Latex causes an IgE-mediated allergic reaction. Actually, the allergic reaction is in response to "the proteins which are bound to the isoprene molecules that are responsible for its remarkable elasticity." (3) Early symptoms to this allergy, include hand rashes, dry and cracked skin, nasal congestion, sneezing, and red, watery eyes. Sometimes, asthmatic symptoms can occur, such as wheezing.
The extra powder found on the latex gloves can even serve as a transport of the residual latex proteins that are processing chemicals and endotoxins. As the gloves are being put on or taken off, the powder can be released into the air and easily inhaled. Exposure to latex may also occur through the mucous membranes, for example, during a dental procedure. (4)
IS THERE A WAY TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE AN ALLERGY TO LATEX?
In order to detect this unusual allergy, immunological tests have been used. A common enzyme-linked-assay, (ELISA), is used to detect specific IgE to latex. This assay involves the use of an enzyme-labeled anti-IgE and substrate, o-phenyldiamine.
- Kibby, T., and M. Akl. 1997. Prevalence of latex sensitization in a hospital employee population. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 78(1): 41-44.
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