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Toxicological and Immunological Aspects of Occupational Latex Allergy

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Toxicological Reviews

Abstract

Latex allergy continues to be an important occupational health problem as latex products are used increasingly worldwide, particularly in healthcare. Although there are few epidemiological studies on the incidence of latex allergy, there has been an increase in the number of case reports over the last 10 years and, based on skin-prick tests, estimates of prevalence of latex allergy in healthcare workers range from 2% to 17%. The allergic health effects arise either from the latex proteins, generally causing a type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction, or from the chemicals added to latex during processing, causing a type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Clinical manifestations of latex allergy depend on the route of exposure and occur by direct contact either with skin or mucosa, or by inhalation. The diagnosis of latex allergy is based on the history, skin tests, serological tests and challenge tests. Thirteen latex allergens have been identified and isolated so far from natural rubber latex. They differ in their potential to elicit immunological responses in individuals allergic to latex and thus have been designated as major or minor allergens. In latex gloves, cornstarch powder used as a donning agent carries latex proteins, thereby increasing inhalational and mucosal exposure to latex proteins. There also appears to be a positive correlation between protein content and allergenicity of gloves. The use of powder-free, low-protein gloves is effective in reducing symptoms and markers of sensitisation. Alternatives to latex gloves, such as nitrile or vinyl gloves are available but may be inferior in respect to manual dexterity and biological impermeability.

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No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

The authors wish to thank Dr Ira Madan of East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust, Kent, and Dr Paul Cullinan of the Brompton Hospital, London, UK, for providing information and advice for the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Occupational Health Department, Kent & Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3NG, UK

    Syed M. Ahmed & Tar-Ching Aw

  2. Division of Occupational Health, Kent Institute of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK

    Syed M. Ahmed & Tar-Ching Aw

  3. Health and Safety Laboratory, Health Effects Division, Harpur Hill, Buxton, UK

    Anil Adisesh

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Ahmed, S.M., Aw, TC. & Adisesh, A. Toxicological and Immunological Aspects of Occupational Latex Allergy. Toxicol Rev 23, 123–134 (2004). https://doi.org/10.2165/00139709-200423020-00005

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