title: Molecular profile of sensitization in subjects with short occupational exposure to latex.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We examined the prevalence of latex allergy in subjects with occupational exposure to latex allergens for less than 5 years, determining the disease spectrum in symptomatic workers. We identified the most frequent molecular allergens by Immuno- CAP (ICAP), correlating the findings with skin prick test (SPT) results.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven hundred twenty-three healthcare students using latex gloves on a regular basis were invited to participate in a baseline questionnaire screening. An ICAP serum test was performed only when a possible latex allergy was indicated by the questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of participants responding to the baseline survey was 619. Glove-related symptoms were indicated by 4% (N = 25) of the students. The most common symptom was contact dermatitis (N = 18, 72%). In 12 subjects, ICAP revealed a real sensitization to latex, with a recombinant latex allergen profile showing a high frequency for rHev b 6.01 specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) (N = 9, 67%). In these individuals, skin symptoms were more prevalent than other types (88%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined positivity for rHev b 6.01, rHev 8 and rHev b 5 determined by ICAP identified 92% of latex-allergic subjects with short-term exposure to latex.
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy (Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Hygiene, Occupational Medicine and Forensic Medicine). monicalamberti@libero.it.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lamberti
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy (Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Hygiene, Occupational Medicine and Forensic Medicine). buonannorosaria@libero.it.
authors.forename: Rosaria
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buonanno
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy (Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Hygiene, Occupational Medicine and Forensic Medicine). chiararitonnaro@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ritonnaro
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy (Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Hygiene, Occupational Medicine and Forensic Medicine). giancarlogiovane@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Giovane
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy (Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Hygiene, Occupational Medicine and Forensic Medicine). robertoderosa@libero.it.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Crispino
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy (Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology). antonia.feola@unina.it.
authors.forename: Antonia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Feola
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy (Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology). nicola.medici@unina2.it.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Medici
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy (Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Hygiene, Occupational Medicine and Forensic Medicine). nicola.sannolo@unina2.it.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sannolo
authors.affiliation: Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies). angelina.dicarlo@uniroma.it.
authors.forename: Angelina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Carlo
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy (Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology). marina.didomenico@unina2.it.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Domenico
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007840:Latex
keywords: ImmunoCAP; contact dermatitis; gloves; natural rubber latex; occupational exposure; skin prick test