The prevalence of immunoglobulin E antibodies to the proteins of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) latex and grass (Phleum pratense) pollen in sera of British blood donors

Background Although there have been many studies of the prevalence of latex allergy in populations deemed to be at risk, little is known of the potent ial allergic susceptibility to latex products prevailing in the general pop ulation. Objective To assess the possible prevalence of allergy to latex goods in a population of blood donors by measurement of specific antilatex immunoglobu lin (Ig) E in blood, to relate this to prevalence of antigrass IgE in the b lood donations, and to assess the prevalence of antibodies to grass, house dust mite and cat allergens in those donors having antilatex IgE antibodies . Methods Sera from two groups of donations obtained in the English West Midl ands were assayed. A group of 2000 donations obtained in midwinter was assa yed for antilatex and antigrass pollen IgE. A group of 5000 midsummer donat ions was assayed for total IgE, and antilatex IgE and the sera giving a pos itive reaction, assayed for antigrass pollen, antihouse dust mite and antic at IgE. The nature of the principal latex and grass pollen polypeptides rea cting with IgE in the sera was assessed by immunoblotting. Results Anti-latex IgE was detected in approximately 4% of the winter and 7 % of the summer donations. The prevalence of antigrass IgE in the winter do nations was approximately 20% and amongst the latex-positive sera approxima tely 84% contained antigrass IgE. Of the summer donations of latex-positive sera, 96% contained antigrass, 48.6% antimite IgE and 34% anticat IgE. The prevalence of both antilatex and antigrass IgE was age and sex related. In hibition studies indicated cross-reactivity of IgE with latex and grass pol len proteins. Conclusions Whilst 4-7% of the population may have serum IgE reacting with latex, the levels are low compared with those reacting with the aeroallerge ns studied. The apparent cross-reactivity of some serum IgE with both latex and grass pollen taken with other evidence suggests that, in some individu als, allergy to latex may arise from an initial sensitization by grass poll en.