Only few workers exposed to wood dust are detected with specific IgE against pine wood.
BACKGROUND
Our aim was to investigate the frequency of pine allergy in woodworkers with respiratory symptoms and to identify high molecular weight allergens in pine wood extracts.


METHODS
In a cross-sectional study we examined work-related respiratory symptoms in 2033 furniture workers and 474 controls by questionnaires. Clinical examination was performed in 365 wood dust exposed and 116 nonexposed subjects. Blood samples were collected for measuring pine-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E by an immunoassay and Western blots.


RESULTS
Eleven exposed and three nonexposed subjects had pine-specific IgE. In the group with clinically defined asthma eight persons (5.4%) had pine-specific IgE compared with six persons (1.8%) in the group without asthma (P < 0.05). In the groups with and without respiratory symptoms, 13 (3.8%) and one (0.7%) subject, respectively, had pine-specific IgE (P = 0.06). Western blots demonstrated pine-specific IgE to components in the molecular range of 14 - 100 kD in eight samples (all wood dust exposed). Five samples had pine-specific IgE against components in a 43 - 59 kD zone and against two bands at 27 and 29 kD that are candidates for major allergens.


CONCLUSIONS
Some workers in the Danish furniture industry are specific IgE sensitized against pine wood dust. Pine-specific IgE probably explains a minor part of the respiratory symptoms in workers exposed to pine wood dust.
Skovsted
T A
TA
Diagnostic Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark.
Schlünssen
V
V
Schaumburg
I
I
Wang
P
P
Staun-Olsen
P
P
Skov
P S
PS
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D028223:Pinus / Q000276:immunology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014934:Wood
D000485:Allergens; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D007073:Immunoglobulin E