ORIGINAL PAPER
Molecular profile of sensitization in subjects with short occupational exposure to latex
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1
Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
(Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Hygiene, Occupational Medicine and Forensic Medicine)
2
Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
(Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology)
3
Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
(Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies)
Corresponding author
Monica Lamberti
Second University of Naples, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Hygiene, Occupational Medicine and Forensic
Medicine, School of Medicine, Viale dei Crecchi 16, 80100 Naples, Italy
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2015;28(5):841-8
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: 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. Material and 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.