OCCUPATIONAL IGE-MEDIATED RHINITIS CAUSED BY NINHYDRIN

Ninhydrin is a laboratory chemical used as a reagent in the detection of free amino and carboxyl groups in proteins and peptides. We present the case of a laboratory technician who developed symptoms of rhiniti s when handling papers immersed in a solution containing ninhydrin. Pr ick tests for ninhydrin and ninhydrin RAST were positive. The inhalati on provocation test in an exposure chamber gave an immediate nasal res ponse. A positive prick test to ninhydrin, an elevated level of specif ic IgE antibodies to ninhydrin, and the RAST inhibition test confirmed an IgE-mediated type I allergic reaction. We are not aware of any oth er report of ninhydrin as a cause of IgE-mediated allergy. (C) Munksga ard 1996.