BACKGROUND Occupational contact dermatitis is common in healthcare workers. Although irritant contact dermatitis resulting from wet work is the most frequently reported cause, healthcare workers also constitute high-risk group for the development of allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticaria. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prevalence of delayed-type and immediate-type hypersensitivity in 1...

Hevea brasiliensis is the most widely cultivated species for commercial production of natural rubber (cis-polyisoprene). In this study, 10,040 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated from the latex of the rubber tree, which represents the cytoplasmic content of a single cell type, in order to analyse the latex transcription profile with emphasis on rubber biosynthesis-related genes. A tot...

BACKGROUND Latex sensitisation is recognised as a health problem among health care workers (HCWs) using latex products. The aim of this study was to quantify specific latex allergens in latex devices used in South African academic dental schools. The current study also compared the total protein content and the levels of specific allergens in these products. METHODS Fourteen latex examination...

BACKGROUND Patch testing is mandatory for diagnosing contact dermatitis. It is, however, crucial that patients understand and remember the result of the test. OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of patch testing with respect to patients' ability to remember patch test results and the results of natural rubber latex protein allergy after 2 years. METHODS One hundred an...

Communications to the Editor on condom usage except in case 3. Natural rubber has been well known to cause contact dermatitis. Recently other allergic reactions to rubber or latex products, such as rhinitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis, have also been described.2 Seaton and Cherrie reported a case of rubber glove asthma, and Turjanmaa et al described allergic reactions to nibber condoms. Were there...

This study presents the development of natural rubber-Ca/P blends, as promising candidates for biomedical purposes. The specific objective was the incorporation of Ca/P into a natural rubber polymeric matrix. Ca/P crystalline phases were synthesized by the sol-gel method and the polymeric matrices were produced using natural rubber extracted from latex of the Hevea brasiliensis. The shape and s...