Latex protein allergy

Russell-Fell, R., International Conference Latex Protein Allergy, 1993, 3. 

LM Barclay. Developments in low protein prevulcanized latex materials. In Latex Protein Allergy The Latest Position. Brickendonbury, United Kingdom Crain Communications Ltd, Rubber Consultants, 1995, pp. 41-53. 

Individuals with latex protein allergy often exhibit reactions to plant-derived food and fresh fruits, such as avocado or banana, too. N-terminal hevein-like domains seem to be responsible for these mediated reactions in the so-called latex-fruit syndrome [12]. 

A detailed review is presented of the literature on cutaneous reactions to rubber, the aspects covered including latex allergy, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The adverse cutaneous reactions to rubber occurring following industrial and occupational or consumer exposure to rubber chemicals or products or to natural rubber latex proteins are discussed. 261 refs. 

Testing of serum samples from 136 patients with well-documented, clinically relevant, immediate-type hypersensitivity against latex proteins ("latex fruit allergy") for IgE antibodies against a panel of different fruits indicated that 50% of test subjects had positive tests to papaya (Brehler et al. 1997). Sensitization to latex-containing fruits such as papaya, avocado, banana, fig, and kiwi has been reported in persons allergic to latex (Diaz-Perales et al. 1999 Marin et al. 2002). 

Gloves of polymer materials are necessary for use in the treatment of patients and by those employees with known allergy to latex proteins. Such gloves reduce the risk of contact dermatitis caused by rubber additives and contact urticaria caused by latex proteins. Gloves of polymer materials are also necessary for use by those employees with a known allergy to chromate in leather gloves. 

Alenius H, Turjanmaa K, Palosuo T, Makinen-Kiljunen S, Reunala T (1991) Surgical latex glove allergy characterization of rubber latex protein sensitivity by immunoblotting. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 96 376-380... 

Beezhold D, Pugh B, Liss G, Sussman G (1996) Correlation of protein levels with skin prick test reaction in patients allergic to latex. J Allergy Clin Immunol 98 1097-1102... 

Akasawa A, Hsieh LS, Lin Y (1995) Serum reactivities to latex proteins (Hevea brasiliensis). J Allergy Clin Immunol 95 1196-1205... 

Alenius H, Kurup V, Kelly K, Palosuo T, Turjanmaa K, Fink J (1994b) Latex allergy frequent occurrence of IgE antibodies to a cluster of 11 latex proteins in patients with spina bifida and histories of anaphylaxis. J Lab Clin Med 123 712-720... 

De Corres L, Moneo I, Munoz D, Bernaola G, Fernandez E, Audicana M, Urrutia I (1993) Sensitization from chestnuts and bananas in patients with urticaria and anaphylaxis from contact with latex. Ann Allergy 70 35-39 Dennis M, Henzel W, Bell J, Kohr W, Light D (1989) Amino acid sequence of rubber elongation factor protein associated rubber particles in Hevea latex. J Biol Chem 264 18618-18626 Forstrom L (1980) Contact urticaria from latex surgical gloves. Contact Dermatitis 6 33-34... 

Immunological direct contact reaction may be caused by type-I allergies to latex protein, hydrolysed animal proteins (ingredients of the styling products) and persulphates in blonding products. Type-I allergies to latex and persulphates may cause reactions not only on the skin, but also on the conjunctivae and the respiratory tract. 

Low rubber protein latices are developed especially to address the issue of rubber protein allergy for some sensitized users of latex rubber gloves. These latices have very low water-extractable rubber proteins and hence are well suited for manufacturing low-protein gloves. DPNR also finds niche applications in electrical and engineering products (see later). 

A 22-year-old man developed recurrent erythematous-edematous dermatitis of the shaft of the penis a few hours after sexual intercourse using condoms. Tests tor latex protein hypersensitivity were negative. A patch test established the diagnosis of contact allergy to benzocaine. 

For applications where surgical gloves provide adequate protection, if these are of natural rubber latex tlien powder-free gloves witli low/undetectable protein and allergen levels are advisable. (Alternatively the use of nitrile gloves eliminates the risk of latex allergy.)... 

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