Cellulase allergy and challenge tests with cellulase using immunologic assessment.
OBJECTIVE
This study attempted to develop and evaluate a challenge test for diagnosing allergic asthma and rhinitis due to cellulase.


METHODS
Challenge tests in a chamber were performed on 11 persons sensitized to cellulase. Four different enzyme-lactose mixtures, starting from a 0.03% mixture, were used. The enzyme dust was generated from a dry enzyme preparation mixed with lactose powder, using pressurized air. The cellulase concentration in the air was measured with an immunochemical method.


RESULTS
Nasal, pharyngeal, or bronchial symptoms could be elicited at cellulase air concentrations of 1 to 1300 microg/m3. A dose-response relationship was observed for symptoms in repeated challenge tests with increasing concentrations of cellulase. For 2 persons skin symptoms could also be reproduced.


CONCLUSIONS
The challenge method proved to be a practical means with which to simulate conditions at the worksite and elicit the specific respiratory symptoms of the patients.
Vanhanen
M
M
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki. markku.vanhanen@occuphealth.fi
Tuomi
T
T
Tupasela
O
O
Keskinen
H
H
Tuppurainen
M
M
Hytönen
M
M
Tarvainen
K
K
Kanerva
L
L
Nordman
H
H
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002480:Cellulase / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
D004391:Dust; D002480:Cellulase