A hospital-based screening study of latex allergy and latex sensitization among medical workers in Taiwan.
J Microbiol Immunol Infect
; 41(6): 499-506, 2008 Dec.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19255694
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Natural rubber latex is the most important occupational allergen among medical workers, and remains a significant occupational health issue in Taiwan. We conducted this large-scale hospital-based screening study to understand the incidence of latex allergy and latex sensitization among medical workers in Taiwan over the past 5 years.METHODS:
1253 medical workers were enrolled in this study. Subjects were interviewed using a screening questionnaire. Skin prick testing with commercial latex extract was performed for 1139 of the subjects.RESULTS:
152 subjects (12%) had positive latex skin prick test, suggesting that they had been sensitized to latex proteins. Seventy nine subjects (6%) had immediate allergic reactions to latex products. The prevalence of contact hand dermatitis from latex gloves was 35%. The intensive care unit and medical laboratory department accounted for the highest prevalence of allergy among all hospital departments. Most subjects developed immediate latex allergy by 9000 h of total latex exposure. The prevalence of positive latex skin prick test increased with increasing duration of latex exposure.CONCLUSIONS:
Latex allergy continues to be an important occupational allergy among medical workers in Taiwan. The addition of a routine screening examination in medical employees' health check-ups will help in the early identification of sensitized cases and facilitate preventive strategies.
Buscar en Google
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Personal de Salud
/
Hipersensibilidad al Látex
/
Enfermedades Profesionales
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
/
Screening_studies
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Microbiol Immunol Infect
Asunto de la revista:
ALERGIA E IMUNOLOGIA
/
MICROBIOLOGIA
Año:
2008
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Taiwán