Prevention of latex allergy by selection of low-allergen gloves

Background In recent years the prevalence of type I allergy to latex has co ntinuously increased, in particular among healthcare workers, to about 10%. While most forms of type I allergy caused by other environmental allergens can be treated by pharmacotherapy or specific immunotherapy, minimizing ex posure to latex proteins may represent an effective preventive measure for latex allergy. Objective To investigate whether it is possible to select by in vitro and i n vivo testing low-allergen latex gloves for prevention of latex allergy. Methods We obtained separate extracts by standard aqueous extraction from t he inner and outer surfaces of 15 different commonly used (10 examination, five surgical) glove brands. The extracts were analysed by quantitative (bi cinchoninic protein assay, immunoglobulin [Ig] E-ELISA, ELISA competition) and qualitative (SDS-PAGE, silver staining, IgE immunoblotting) methods for their protein and allergen contents. In addition, the glove extracts were analysed for their capacity to induce basophil histamine release and immedi ate skin reactions. Results Extracts from different glove brands contained cross-reactive IgE e pitopes. However, IgE binding studies, basophil histamine release and skin testing showed that different glove brands and their inner and outer surfac es contained widely varying protein and allergen contents. While the determ ination of total protein contents was not sufficient to identify low-allerg en gloves, IgE measurements, basophil histamine release and skin testing we re in good agreement and allowed to select low-allergen products. Conclusion We suggest the use of low-allergen latex products identified by IgE binding, basophil histamine release assays and skin testing as a feasib le preventive measure for latex allergy.