[Contact allergy to latex in health care workers--study of case reports].
BACKGROUND
Contact allergy to latex is a relatively new problem that gives rise to much controversy among researchers. The aim of the study was to develop a study model of contact allergy induced by latex proteins.


METHODS
The study covered 60 health care workers who had reported decreased tolerance of rubber gloves. They were subjected to routine dermatological examinations, patch tests to a standard set of allergens (Chemotechnique Diagnosis, Sweden), expanded to include high ammoniac latex, and prick tests with latex and common inhalatory allergens. In addition, total and latex specific IgE antibodies were determined.


RESULTS
Of the total group, contact allergy to latex was found in 5 persons, including 3 persons with concurrent immediate reaction to latex, and 2 persons with allergy of the isolated nature. Only in 1 person coexistent late allergy to latex and rubber accelerator of the thiurams group were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Path tests with 30% ammoniac latex seem to be a useful diagnostic method in the detection of contact allergy to latex. In case of doubtful reactions, the use of lower allergen concentrations is recommended.
Krecisz
Beata
B
Przychodni Chorób Zawodowych, Instytutu Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera w Lodzi. krecisz@imp.lodz.pl
Kieć-Swierczyńska
Marta
M
D000328:Adult; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000453:epidemiology; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000453:epidemiology; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D012882:Skin Tests
D007073:Immunoglobulin E