Identification of allergenic proteins in condoms by immunoenzymatic methods

Background: A large increase of allergy to latex proteins has been observed lately probably as a result of a great use of latex-containing goods. At p resent these untoward reactions have led to consideration of this problem a s a health and occupational hazard. It is therefore, necessary to identify the allergens contained in latex-manufactured products and to develop effec tive diagnostic tools to detect sensitized individuals. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify antigenic and allerge nic components in latex condoms by using chemical, immunochemical, and immu noenzymatic methods. Methods: The protein content of extracts obtained from several brands of co ndoms was determined and characterized by using a modified Lowry method, a quantitative ELISA assay and SDS-PAGE. The allergenic behavior of these pro teins was studied by IgE immunoblotting, EAST and ELISA techniques, using s era from subjects allergic to latex products, particularly to latex condoms . Results: Wide variations in the protein content (38 to 740 mu g/g product) and composition were observed. The SDS-PAGE protein profiles showed compone nts ranging from 7 to 94 kD of relative molecular weights; most of them wer e also detected in natural rubber latex. The most prominent bands were reve aled in the 14 and 30 kD zones. A strong band of 69 kD in the SDS-PAGE prof iles would correspond to a neoantigen, since it was not observed in natural latex. The immunoblotting analysis employing sera from 5 patients allergic to latex condoms showed the presence of 4 components with IgE binding capa city (14, 30, 69, and 94 kD). The EAST and ELISA methods showed the presenc e of allergens in all the condom brands studied. Conclusions: The presence of allergenic proteins in several condom brands w as demonstrated by different immunoenzymatic methods.