Allergic or immediate hypersensitivity reactions to latex have been reported in children with increasing frequency in the past. The reported prevalence varies greatly depending upon the population studied and the methods used to detect sensitization. Children's subpopulations at particular risk include: atopics, individuals with spina bifida, children undergoing surgical procedure during the ne...

OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and risk factors for symptoms related to gloves, and the relation between symptoms and immunological evidence of type 1 hypersensitivity to latex in a United Kingdom health care setting. METHODS A cross sectional survey was carried out among 773 employees at a British hospital. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect information about sympt...

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...

The prevalence of sensitization to natural rubber latex in the general population is around 1%. However, occupational latex allergy is considerably higher in people who work wearing latex gloves. Furthermore, almost 50% of these allergic patients also show hypersensitivity to some plant foods, especially chestnut, banana, and avocado, but also to kiwi, papaya, tomato and others. The name "latex...

INTRODUCTION Guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray, Asteraceae) is a woody desert shrub (Whitworth and Whitehead 1991) which is under commercial development as a domestic source of hypoallergenic natural rubber (Siler and Cornish 1994; Carey et al. 1995; Cornish 1996, 1998; Cornish et al. 1996, 2001; Schloman et al. 1996; Siler et al. 1996; Cornish and Lytle 1999). To expedite commercialization, ...

It has been known for some time that the latex contained in some medical equipment, such as gloves, can result in an allergic reaction. A new report from the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) looks into the response from NHS organisations to the threat from latex allergies and whether adequate measures have been taken to protect health care staff and patients.

CONTEXT Latex allergy and sensitization have been an important problem facing health care workers. Providing a latex-safe environment is the intervention of choice. CASE PRESENTATION A 46-year-old surgical pathologist presented with increasing shortness of breath for the previous 4 years. Twenty years before presentation, he noted a pruritic, erythematous rash on his hands, associated with la...

Allergy to natural rubber latex is an important cause of occupational allergy in healthcare workers. Disposable medical gloves are the major reservoir of latex allergens, particularly powdered gloves, in healthcare delivery settings. Diagnosis of latex allergy requires a history of exacerbation of cutaneous, respiratory, ocular, or systemic signs and symptoms after exposure to natural rubber la...