Original articles

Allergenicity of latex rubber products used in South African dental schools
Abstract
Allergens from latex products in healthcare settings have been known to trigger latex induced allergic reactions in healthcare workers (HCWs). There is a need to quantify individual latex allergens in products in order to assess the allergenicity of latex products used in health care settings, so as to minimize the risk of sensitisation to these proteins.
Methods
Fourteen latex examination gloves representing six brands (powdered and non-powdered) and five dental rubber dams from five dental academic institutions were analysed for latex allergens and total protein. Total protein content was determined using the BIORAD DC protein assay kit and natural rubber allergen levels using a capture ELISA assay specific for hev b 1, hev b 3, hev b 5 and hev b 6.02.
Results
Hev b 6.02 was found in higher concentrations than other NRL allergens in the products analysed. Hev b 5 content ranged from 0 to 9.2µg/g and hev b 6.02 from 0.09 to 61.5µg/g of sample. Hev b 1 levels were below the detection limit (DL) for 79% of the samples (15/19). Dental dams showed higher allergen levels (median: 80.91µg/g) in comparison to latex gloves (median: 11.34µg/g). Powdered rubber samples also showed higher allergen levels (median: 40.54µg/g) compared to non-powdered samples (median: 5.31µg/g). A statistically significant correlation was observed between total protein and total allergen (r=0.74, p<0.001) concentrations.
Conclusion
Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergen concentrations differ significantly by product and brand. This study has demonstrated that NRL allergens in latex containing products used in South African dental institutions are present at sufficiently high levels to pose an allergic health risk.
Authors' affiliations
Mabe Dikeledi Onnicah, National Institute for Occupational Health,Immunology and Microbiology Section
Singh Soogreem Tanusha, National Institute for Occupational Health, Immunology and Microbiology Section
Bello Braimoh, National Institute for Occupational Health,Epidemiology and Surveillance Section
Jeebhay F. Mohamed, Occupational and Environmental Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine,University of Cape Town
Lopata Andreas, Department of Immunology (IIDMM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Cape Town,and School of Applied Sciences, Allergy Research Group, Royal Melbourne Institute ofTechnology (RMIT), Melbourne, Australia
Wadee Ahmed, School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand,National Health laboratory Services
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Article History
Date published: 2009-09-02
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