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Allergy of latex, avocado pear, and banana: Evidence for a 30-kilodalton antigen in immunoblotting
LITERATURE
195
REVIEW
Prevalence of Latex-Specific Immunoglobulin E Antibodies in Patients Being Evaluated for Allergy Latex-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E was assayed in 200 consecutive serum samples sent to the investigators’ laboratory for total IgE levels. Twenty-four subjects had latex-specific IgE. Seventeen of the 24 positive subjects were younger than 18 years of age, as were all 7 subjects with strongly positive IgE levels. None of the strongly positive patients had a history of reactions to latex or foods that cross-react with latex, and there was no significant history of latex exposure. Two of the other patients had significant latex exposures but no history of latex reactions. Evidence of atopy (positive skin test, elevated total IgE levels) was found in 22 of the 24 patients. Latex-specific IgE in atopics may be due to cross-reactive allergens, or latex sensitization may be much more widespread than originally suspected. Reinheimer G, Ownby DR: Ann Allerg)i Asthma Immuno174: 184- 187, 1995 Marti Jill Rothe, MD Allergy to Latex, Avocado Pear, and Banana: Evidence for a 30-Kilodalton Antigen in Immunoblotting Sera was obtained from 17 patients with documented allergy to latex. Five of the patients also had a symptomatic food allergy to avocado and banana, and 5 other patients had a food allergy to avocado only. Symptoms of food allergy included urticaria and lip itching or glossitis, sometimes associated with rhinitis, facial angioedema, anaphylaxis, or wheezing. Symptoms of food allergy occurred soon after ingestion. Sera from patients with both latex and fruit allergy showed prominent immunoglobulin E binding to 30-kilodalton latex and fruit extracts. In patients reacting only to latex with no history of fruit allergy, the 30-kilodalton band was not usually present. The authors suggest that a 30-kilodalton protein band is a sign of latexand fruit-associated allergy. The presence of the 30-kilodalton band may be useful in advising patients with latex allergy regarding their risk for fruit allergy.
Allergy
Lavaud F, Prevost A, Cossart C, et al: J Clin Immunol95:557-564, 1995 Marti. Jill Rothe, MD
Latex Allergen
in Respirable Air Pollution
Particulate
Latex and rubber tire fragments were identified in air samples from the Denver metropolitan area. The authors suggest that airborne latex may contribute to latex sensitization and may also represent a nonspecific irritant contributing to the development of asthma. Williams PB, Buhr MP, Weber RW, et al: J Allergy Clin Immunol95:88-95, 1995 Marti. Jill Rothe, MD
Assessment
of the Accuracy of Material Safety Data Sheets
The Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to provide information of hazardous chemicals to their employees; material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are a part of this requirement. The authors evaluated 150 MSDSs for the accuracy and completeness of five components: chemical identification of hazardous ingredients, reported health effects, suggested first aid procedures, recommended personal protective equipment, and exposure level regulations and guidelines. Chemical identification information was the most complete with 83% of evaluated MSDSs providing specific chemical names. Of the 134 MSDSs providing some or complete specific chemical identification, 37% provided accurate health effects data, whereas 47% provided inaccurate health effects data. First aid procedures, personal protective equipment, and occupational exposure limits were accurately identified in 76%, 47%, and 47%, respectively, of the 134 MSDSs. The authors also note that the first aid and protective equipment measures were not practical and instead covered all potential consequences. Kolp PW, Williams PL, Burtan RC: Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 56: 178- 183,1995 Marti Jill Rothe, MD
195
REVIEW
Prevalence of Latex-Specific Immunoglobulin E Antibodies in Patients Being Evaluated for Allergy Latex-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E was assayed in 200 consecutive serum samples sent to the investigators’ laboratory for total IgE levels. Twenty-four subjects had latex-specific IgE. Seventeen of the 24 positive subjects were younger than 18 years of age, as were all 7 subjects with strongly positive IgE levels. None of the strongly positive patients had a history of reactions to latex or foods that cross-react with latex, and there was no significant history of latex exposure. Two of the other patients had significant latex exposures but no history of latex reactions. Evidence of atopy (positive skin test, elevated total IgE levels) was found in 22 of the 24 patients. Latex-specific IgE in atopics may be due to cross-reactive allergens, or latex sensitization may be much more widespread than originally suspected. Reinheimer G, Ownby DR: Ann Allerg)i Asthma Immuno174: 184- 187, 1995 Marti Jill Rothe, MD Allergy to Latex, Avocado Pear, and Banana: Evidence for a 30-Kilodalton Antigen in Immunoblotting Sera was obtained from 17 patients with documented allergy to latex. Five of the patients also had a symptomatic food allergy to avocado and banana, and 5 other patients had a food allergy to avocado only. Symptoms of food allergy included urticaria and lip itching or glossitis, sometimes associated with rhinitis, facial angioedema, anaphylaxis, or wheezing. Symptoms of food allergy occurred soon after ingestion. Sera from patients with both latex and fruit allergy showed prominent immunoglobulin E binding to 30-kilodalton latex and fruit extracts. In patients reacting only to latex with no history of fruit allergy, the 30-kilodalton band was not usually present. The authors suggest that a 30-kilodalton protein band is a sign of latexand fruit-associated allergy. The presence of the 30-kilodalton band may be useful in advising patients with latex allergy regarding their risk for fruit allergy.
Allergy
Lavaud F, Prevost A, Cossart C, et al: J Clin Immunol95:557-564, 1995 Marti. Jill Rothe, MD
Latex Allergen
in Respirable Air Pollution
Particulate
Latex and rubber tire fragments were identified in air samples from the Denver metropolitan area. The authors suggest that airborne latex may contribute to latex sensitization and may also represent a nonspecific irritant contributing to the development of asthma. Williams PB, Buhr MP, Weber RW, et al: J Allergy Clin Immunol95:88-95, 1995 Marti. Jill Rothe, MD
Assessment
of the Accuracy of Material Safety Data Sheets
The Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to provide information of hazardous chemicals to their employees; material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are a part of this requirement. The authors evaluated 150 MSDSs for the accuracy and completeness of five components: chemical identification of hazardous ingredients, reported health effects, suggested first aid procedures, recommended personal protective equipment, and exposure level regulations and guidelines. Chemical identification information was the most complete with 83% of evaluated MSDSs providing specific chemical names. Of the 134 MSDSs providing some or complete specific chemical identification, 37% provided accurate health effects data, whereas 47% provided inaccurate health effects data. First aid procedures, personal protective equipment, and occupational exposure limits were accurately identified in 76%, 47%, and 47%, respectively, of the 134 MSDSs. The authors also note that the first aid and protective equipment measures were not practical and instead covered all potential consequences. Kolp PW, Williams PL, Burtan RC: Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 56: 178- 183,1995 Marti Jill Rothe, MD