Prevalence of natural rubber latex allergy (type I and type IV) in laboratory workers in The Netherlands.
The objective of the study was to study the prevalence of Type IV and Type I allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) in a population at risk in the Netherlands. Laboratory workers regularly using gloves were invited to complete a questionnaire and to be tested. We performed patch tests with standard contact allergens, rubber additives, glove powder and pieces of 4 gloves; prick tests with inhalant allergens, glove extracts, glove powder and fruit extracts; and RASTs. Glove-related hand dermatitis was reported in 36.9% of the individuals interviewed. A positive patch test result for rubber additives was seen in only 6.6%. Glove-related urticaria, rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma were reported in 24.6% of all cases. Confirmation of an IgE-mediated reaction was achieved in 8.3% by prick test with glove extracts and 5.0% by RAST. No reaction to glove powder was noticed in patch testing or in prick testing. A high prevalence rate of glove-related symptoms and NRL Type I allergy was found in laboratory workers exposed to rubber gloves. Surprisingly, there was no co-existence of Type I and Type IV allergy in this population.
de Groot
H
H
Department of Allergology, University Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
de Jong
N W
NW
Duijster
E
E
Gerth van Wijk
R
R
Vermeulen
A
A
van Toorenenbergen
A W
AW
Geursen
L
L
van Joost
T
T
D000328:Adult; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010328:Patch Tests; D015995:Prevalence
D007509:Irritants; D007840:Latex