Occupational Latex Allergy: the Current State of Affairs

AbstractPurpose of reviewAllergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) reached epidemic proportions during the nineties and led to intense preventive efforts. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive compilation of the current status of occupational NRL allergy.Recent findingsRecent advances led to the characterization of 15 NRL allergens and the development of assays for measuring the allergen content of NRL materials and specific IgE antibodies against NRL allergen components. Preventive measures aimed at reducing workplace exposure to NRL allergens were associated with decreasing incidence rates of NRL allergy. However, a pooled analysis of epidemiological surveys published during the last 10  years provided prevalence estimates of NRL sensitization and allergy similar to those derived from studies conducted before 2003.SummarySubstantial progress has been made in the understanding and prevention of NRL allergy, although the disease may still remain a worldwide cause of concern.
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research