title: [Sensitivity to latex and the dosage of specific antibodies in professionals in the area of health].
abstract: The scope of this study was to verify the occurrence of sensitivity to latex and conduct dosage of anti-latex antibodies in health professionals of the Dental, Medical and Nursing Schools of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, ES, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional observational study. The intentional sample was composed of 295 professionals. Sensitivity was evaluated by means of a structured and validated questionnaire and the presence of IgE-latex by means of collection of 10 ml of blood submitted to analysis using the Immunocap-pharmacia® system. The IgE-latex values were categorized in different groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  22.4% (n=66) showed latex sensitivity, class V of the IgE latex (17.5-42 KUA\L); 77.6 % (n=229) showed no sensitivity, class 0 or 1 of the IgE-latex (<0.35KUA\L-8,6KUA\L). Fisher's test showed a significant correlation statistic (p<0.05) in relation to the following variables: gender; atopy; eczema of the hands; allergy to medicination; chronic illness; use of anti-inflammatory; prior surgeries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Positive values of IgE were observed in the professionals with sensitivity, suggesting the adoption of prophylactic measures for the prevention and or adaptation of the work environment, preserving the health of these workers.
authors.affiliation: Programa de Pós graduação em Clinica Odontológica, Curso de Odontologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitória, ES. majogomezlou@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Maria José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Roberto Sarcinelli
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Barbosa
authors.forename: Filipe Pereira
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.forename: Raquel Baroni
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: de Carvalho
authors.forename: Elizabete Regina Araujo
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hebling
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E