Predictors of Bothrops jararaca venom allergy in snake handlers and snake venom handlers.

Since allergic sensitization to snake venom has been reported, anaphylactic reactions to snake venom might be an underestimated factor contributing to fatal snakebites, independently from the toxicity of the venom itself. However, little information is available on the determinants of such reaction. Hence, we studied a group of workers exposed to Bothrops jararaca venom (BJV), in order to clarify the factors related with snake venom allergy. The aim of this work was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of venom allergy among workers exposed to BJV and to confirm the involvement of IgE-mediated mechanisms in this condition. Workers exposed to BJV were assessed for venom allergy using questionnaires and immunological tests. The presence of BJV sensitization was determined through quantification of specific IgE. Allergens were studied using the Western blots and inhibition assays. Of the 67 workers evaluated, 7 (10.4%) presented specific IgE antibodies to BJV. Of those, 6 presented typical symptoms of an IgE-mediated allergic reaction when exposed to BJV. Venom sensitization was associated with length of employment (P=0.042), high levels of total IgE (P=0.034), atopy (P=0.051), and specific tasks, primarily the handling of dried venom (P=0.014). Our observations suggest that exposure to BJV can result in allergic sensitization in snake handlers through IgE-mediated mechanisms. The prevalence rate of this condition appears to be high among these workers, and the handling of dried venom, total IgE level above 100 kU/L, length of employment, and probably history of atopy were predictors of its occurrence.

Alergia ocupacional causada pelo veneno de serpente Bothrops jararaca em biológos / Occupational allergy in biologist caused by the Bothrops jararaca sanke venom

Objetivo: Revisar a literatura para investigar a associação entre o uso dos esteróides inalados e a presença da doença periodontal. Fontes dos dados: Foi realizada uma revisão consultando a base de dados do Medline acessando o Pubmed; foram também consultadas as fontes de dados 880, Lilacs e Scielo, com as palavras-chaves: periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) - asthma - inhaled steroids. Síntese dos dados: Os esteróides inalados se constituem na medicação de primeira escolha para o tratamento da asma persistente, sendo bem documentado os efeitos adversos na cavidade bucal, como disfagia, faringite e candidíase. Existem alguns dados sobre os possíveis efeitos deletérios que os este¬róides inalados possam causar nos dentes e gengiva, como exacerbação da inflamação gengiva I, perda de inserção clínica periodontal e perda das unidades dentárias. Conclusão: Parece haver uma associação positiva entre o uso de esteróides inalados e alterações periodontais.

Objective: Review the literature to investigate the association between the use of inhaled steroids and the presence of periodontal disease. Source of data: Literature review was carried out in Medline, Lilacs, Scielo and BBO by Pubmed, using the key-words: periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) - asthma - inhaled steroids. Syntheses of data: Inhaled steroids are the main drug in the treatment of persistent asthma. Adverse side effects in the oral cavity are well documented, such as dysphagia, pharyngitis and candidiasis. There are some data on possible negative effects steroids cause to teeth and gums, like gingival inflammation, lack of clinical attachment and loss of teeth. Conclusion: The review suggests there is a positive association between the use of inhaled steroids and periodontal alterations.