title: [Basopil Activation Test (BAT) as a novel method for monitoring occupational exposure to Beta-lactams and intermediates of production].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cutaneous tests and specific IgE are used in the diagnosis of allergy due to beta-lactans, although drug administration at therapeutic dosage is considered gold standard in drug allergy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The diagnostic approach in symptomatic workers is more critical when they are exposed because of work, unlike reactions to drug in case of therapy. There is not a general consensus about markers in workers occupationally exposed to drugs. Indeed, basophil activation test (BAT) is a new and promising laboratory tool, particularly useful to test intermediate molecules involved in the production. In this article we show our experience on the health surveillance of workers exposed to beta lactams and intermediate molecule (7-ZACA) in a pharmaceutical industry.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied 15 workers divided into 3 groups: 5 exposed and symptomatic (group A), 5 exposed and asymptomatic (group B), 5 non exposed and asymptomatic (group C).
  
  
  RESULTS
  BAT was positive for 7-ZACA in three subjects of group A, and in one subject of group B and one of group C. There was e concordance between clinical history, respiratory symptoms, and results of texts. It was possible to determine allergic nature of symptoms and sensitization in a preclinical phase, correctly discriminating symptoms related to irritants from the allergic ones.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BAT, a simple and quick diagnostic procedure if compared to challenge, can be used as a useful and practical tool by occupational doctors for prevention measures, evaluation of ability to a specific job and reallocation of workers.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marraccini
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pignatti
authors.forename: Cosimo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cafforio
authors.forename: Marco Emilio
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Prini
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015549:Basophil Degranulation Test / Q000379:methods; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004345:Drug Industry; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D047090:beta-Lactams / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D047090:beta-Lactams