Cross-reactivity between thiurams.
Retesting with an allergen at a site with previous allergic contact dermatitis has been shown to enhance reactivity. It has been suggested that retesting with a cross-reactive allergen will also induce hyperreactivity. Concurrent sensitization to more than 1 thiuram is common, but whether this is due to concomitant primary sensitization or cross-reactivity is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of retesting to distinguish between concomitant sensitization and cross-reactivity in the rubber chemicals tetraethylthiuram disulphide (TETD) and tetramethylthiuram disulphide (TMTD). There was a non-significant trend towards enhanced reactivity for both TETD and TMTD when testing in an area with previous allergic contact dermatitis due to TETD. Cross-reactivity between the 2 chemicals is likely, but a definite conclusion from this pilot study is not possible.
Lerbaek
Anne
A
National Allergy Research Centre, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. anleso01@gentoftehosp.kbhamt.dk
Menné
Torkil
T
Knudsen
Bodil
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D004221:Disulfiram / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D012408:Rubber / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013893:Thiram / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000485:Allergens; D013893:Thiram; D012408:Rubber; D004221:Disulfiram