title: Occupational IgE-mediated rhinitis caused by ninhydrin.
abstract: Ninhydrin is a laboratory chemical used as a reagent in the detection of free amino and carboxyl groups in proteins and peptides. We present the case of a laboratory technician who developed symptoms of rhinitis when handling papers immersed in a solution containing ninhydrin. Prick tests for ninhydrin and ninhydrin RAST were positive. The inhalation provocation test in an exposure chamber gave an immediate nasal response. A positive prick test to ninhydrin, an elevated level of specific IgE antibodies to ninhydrin, and the RAST inhibition test confirmed an IgE-mediated type I allergic reaction. We are not aware of any other report of ninhydrin as a cause of IgE-mediated allergy.
authors: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Hytönen
authors: K P
authors: KP
authors: Martimo
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Estlander
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Tupasela
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests; D009555:Ninhydrin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D009555:Ninhydrin