OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and risk factors for latex hypersensitivity among health care workers (HCW) of an Italian general hospital. METHODS 1747 HCW of the Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding latex-related manifestations (LRM) and personal medical history, and latex-specific IgE were measured by RAST-Cap s...

Skin irritation and contact allergies are skin disorders common to hairdressers. The predominant oxidative hair dye components, such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and aminophenol isomers, can cause contact dermatitis. Use of protective gloves can prevent dermal contact with skin irritants. This study investigates the permeation behaviors of p-aminophenol (PAP), m-aminophenol (MAP), o-aminophenol ...

Thus, virus-contaminated materials such as surgical instruments can be decontaminated by heat. We also found that Zika virus infectivity was highest after adjusting the stock to a pH of ≈9 (Figure, panel F). In contrast, adjusting Zika virus to pH 12 or to <pH 4 abrogated infectivity (Figure, panel F). Finally, we analyzed whether gloves routinely used in BSL-2 laboratories protect against Zika...

Latex allergy is recognized as a serious health problem among health care workers and children with spina bifida. A number of IgE-reactive proteins have been identified in natural and processed latex products. One of the most acidic proteins in the cytoplasm of lacticifer cells of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) is demonstrated to be a potent allergen in eliciting allergic reactions in humans...

Background We report the case of a 51 years old female that suffered from a systemic anaphylactic episode 5 minutes after the ingestion of manioc at the age of 50. This patient reported rhinoconjunctivitis since she was 20 years-old after contact with latex gloves and rhinoconjunctivitis and oral allergy syndrome after the ingestion of kiwi, banana and mango since the age of 30. The patient had...

BACKGROUND Latex allergy has emerged as a major cause of allergic reactions in health care workers. However, information is limited regarding the diagnostic methods available. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values) of screening for natural rubber latex sensitization by questionnaire among health care workers,...

BACKGROUND Natural rubber latex allergy is a "new" illness whose prevalence has reached epidemic proportions in highly exposed populations such as health care professionals. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of reactions to latex and risk factors due to glove use in health care workers (HCW) in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS We evaluated latex-rela...