Prevalence of latex sensitization among a sample of healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in Cairo 2020

Abstract

llergic reactions to natural rubber latex (NRL) have been reported since 1970 and during the last decades they became an emerging clinical problem of public health. Adverse latex reactions may occur from repeated contact with or prolonged exposure to latex containing products. Data published in the early 21st century showed that latex allergy was diagnosed in 10% to 17% of HCWs. Symptoms of latex allergy range from contact urticaria and asthma to anaphylaxis and they are elicited by direct contact with NRL items or by inhalation of latex airborne proteins. The diagnosis of the latex allergy is formulated on the basis of personal history, latex skin prick test (SPT), patch test, latex specific IgE (sIgE) assay and challenge tests (nasal, conjunctival, bronchial, intravaginal, sublingual, cutaneous). Proper diagnosis of the latex allergy is important for appropriate preventive measures and treatment Our study aimed to identify prevalence of latex allergy among tertiary hospital as Ain shams university hospital, 130 health care professionals participated in our study After applying exclusion criteria (use of -blockers, pregnancy o