title: Occupational sensitization to lactase in the dietary supplement industry.
abstract: Aerogen lactase exposure carries a risk for the development of allergic asthma and rhinitis; only a few occupationally affected patients have been reported. The authors report the results of allergy testing with employees of a lactase tablets manufacturing plant. The survey involved 13 workers, including a questionnaire, spirometry, basophil activation test (BAT), and skin prick tests (SPTs) with lactase and a panel of common aeroallergens. Furthermore, lactase-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies were analyzed. Sensitization to lactase could be proven for 9 workers by SPT and BAT; specific IgE antibodies could be detected in serum samples of all sensitized. However, IgE levels ≥0.35 kU/L were only found in 4 sera. These data confirm that occupational exposure to lactase can induce IgE-mediated respiratory sensitization resulting in allergic diseases. Protective measures should thus be obligatory when working with lactase.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Münster , Münster , Germany.
authors.forename: Benedikt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stöcker
authors.affiliation: a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Münster , Münster , Germany.
authors.forename: Sonja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grundmann
authors.affiliation: a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Münster , Münster , Germany.
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mosters
authors.affiliation: b Werkarztzentrum Rietberg e.V. , Rietberg , Germany.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nitzsche
authors.affiliation: a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Münster , Münster , Germany.
authors.forename: Randolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brehler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005525:Food-Processing Industry; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D043322:Lactase / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D013607:Tablets; D043322:Lactase
keywords: Aspergillus oryzae; enzyme allergy; inhalative allergy; lactase; occupational