Latex allergy is a medical term encompassing a range of
allergic reactions to the
proteins present in
natural rubber latex.[1] It generally develops after repeated exposure to products containing natural rubber latex. When latex-containing medical devices or supplies come in contact with
mucous membranes, the membranes may absorb latex
proteins. In some susceptible people, the immune system produces
antibodies that react
immunologically with these
antigenic proteins.[2] Many items contain or are made from natural rubber, including
shoe soles, pen grips,
hot water bottles,
elastic bands,
rubber gloves,
condoms,
baby-bottle nipples, and
balloons; consequently, there are many possible routes of exposure that may
trigger a reaction. People with latex allergies may also have or develop allergic reactions to some fruits, such as bananas.[3]
Signs and symptoms
Allergic reactions to latex range from
Type I hypersensitivity, the most serious form of reaction, to
Type IV hypersensitivity.[4] Rate of onset is
directly proportional to the degree of allergy: Type I responses will begin showing symptoms within minutes of exposure to latex, while Type IV responses may take hours or days to appear.[5]
Most commonly, latex allergy presents with
hives at the point of contact, followed by
rhinitis. The most common physiological reaction to latex exposure is
dermatitis at the point of contact, which gives way to soreness, itching, and redness.
Angioedema is also a common response to oral, vaginal, or rectal contact.[6]
Symptoms of more severe hypersensitivity include both local and generalized hives; feelings of faintness or impending doom;
angioedema; nausea and vomiting; abdominal cramps; rhinitis;
bronchospasm; and
anaphylaxis. Type IV responses typically include
erythema, blistering (forming
vesicles and
papules),
itching, and
crusting at the point of contact.[7] This irritant contact dermatitis is considered a nonimmune reaction to latex.[8] The degree of reaction is directly proportional to the duration of exposure, as well as skin temperature.
Among those with a latex allergy, 40% will experience irritant contact dermatitis; 33.1% will experience a Type I allergic reaction; 20.4% will experience Type IV allergic contact dermatitis; and 6.5% will experience both Type I and Type IV symptoms.[9]
Causes
Occupational exposure
The prevalence of latex allergy is greater in certain populations with increased exposure and has historically been studied in this context. [10] Specifically, regular and prolonged occupational exposure to latex is a known risk factor for the development of an allergy. [11] Healthcare workers, dental specialists, food service workers, cosmetologists, rubber industry workers, law enforcement personnel, and painters are among some of the highest-risk occupations.[11] It is estimated that the worldwide prevalence of latex allergy in healthcare workers is 9.7%-12.4%.[10]
Latex allergy became a more common problem in healthcare in the 1980s and 1990s with the adoption of
universal precautions, which involved frequent use of latex gloves, with the emergence of
HIV/AIDs.[10] The rates of latex allergy dropped to 4-7% in the healthcare setting with the widespread introduction of non-powdered latex gloves.[12] On December 19, 2016, the
FDA officially banned the use of powdered gloves in the US healthcare setting, citing the unnecessary burden of potential injury due to allergy. [13] General latex avoidance protocols have been put in to place in healthcare settings in the US and many other developed countries with the switch to
nitrile gloves.[11][12] However, latex exposure in healthcare settings in developing countries from latex gloves or latex components of medical devices such as urinary catheters, dialysis ports, or vial stoppers, remains a significant concern.[11][12]
Alternative latex exposure
While most reported allergic reactions to latex have occurred in medical settings, non-healthcare workers show similar levels of latex antibodies, suggesting that they are sensitized to natural rubber latex through other sources, both inside the home and as medical patients.[14] In particular, individuals with chronic health concerns that lead to repeated surgeries or
catheterizations thus experience greater exposure to latex allergens and may develop an allergy.[15] Outside of hospital environments, latex allergy may develop in amateur and professional athletes whose sports equipment includes natural rubber, such as swimsuits or running shoes. Rubber
basketballs, in particular, may lead to contact dermatitis on the hands and fingertips.[16] The sensitization to latex in athletes may be accelerated by the use of topical
analgesics and other agents that diminish the skin barrier and increase contact.[17] It has also been hypothesized that young children may develop a latex allergy due to exposure in the home and school environment from objects such as rubber balloons, boots, gloves, and toys.[18][19]
Spina bifida
People with
spina bifida often have latex allergies. Up to 68% of children with this condition will have a reaction to latex.[20] The mechanism of this association between spina bifida and latex allergy is not clearly defined. However, spina bifida patients may become sensitized to latex early in life as they often require frequent surgeries and medical procedures that involve exposure to latex products. [21]
Natural rubber latex contains several conformational
epitopes located on several
enzymes such as Hev b 1,[26]Hev b 2,[27]Hev b 4,[28]Hev b 5[29] and Hev b 6.02.[30][31]
FITkit is a latex allergen testing method for quantification of the major natural rubber latex specific
allergens: Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5, and Hev b 6.02.[32]
Prevention
The most effective form of
primary prevention towards latex
sensitization is limiting or completely avoiding contact with latex, particularly among children with risk factors such as spina bifida.[33][34] The limitation of powdered latex glove use in hospital settings has also proven an effective
primary prevention strategy among adult health care workers,[35] and as secondary prevention for sensitized individuals.[36][37]
Epidemiology
Latex allergy is uncommon in the general population, at least compared to high-risk groups such as hospital workers and spina bifida patients. Estimates suggest a worldwide
prevalence of around 4.3% among the general population.[38] Between 1% and 6% of the general population in the United States has latex allergy; assays of antibody levels in the blood suggest that 2.7 million to 16 million Americans are affected by some form of latex sensitivity.[39] Females are approximately three times as likely as males to have latex allergies.[40] Possible
risk factors for the female population include increased employment in high-risk occupations and enhanced
histamine release caused by
female hormones.[41]
Products made from
guayule natural rubber emulsions, which also do not contain the proteins from the Hevea rubber tree, and do not cause allergy in persons sensitized to Hevea proteins.[20][43][44]
Alternative materials like
Vytex Natural Rubber Latex which reduce exposure to latex allergens while otherwise retaining the properties of natural rubber; these are made using chemical treatment to reduce the amount of
antigenic proteins in Hevea latex.
The first polyurethane condoms, designed for people with latex allergies, were produced in 1994.
Some people are so sensitive that they may still have a reaction to replacement products made from alternative materials. This can occur when the alternative products are manufactured in the same facility as latex-containing products, leaving trace quantities of natural rubber latex on the non-latex products.[44]
^Diaz-Perales, A.; Sanchez-Monge, R.; Blanco, C.; Lombardero, M.; Carillo, T.; Salcedo, G. (2002). "What is the role of the hevein-like domain of fruit class I chitinases in their allergenic capacity?". Clinical & Experimental Allergy. 32 (3): 448–54.
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^Mikkola, Jari H.; Alenius, Harri; Kalkkinen, Nisse; Turjanmaa, Kristiina; Palosuo, Timo; Reunala, Timo (1998). "Hevein-like protein domains as a possible cause for allergen cross-reactivity between latex and banana". Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 102 (6): 1005–12.
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^Kolarich, Daniel; Altmann, Friedrich; Sunderasan, Elumalai (2006). "Structural analysis of the glycoprotein allergen Hev b 4 from natural rubber latex by mass spectrometry". Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects. 1760 (4): 715–20.
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^Beezhold, Donald H.; Hickey, Vicky L.; Slater, Jay E.; Sussman, Gordon L. (1999). "Human IgE-binding epitopes of the latex allergen Hev b 5". Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 103 (6): 1166–72.
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^Reyes-López, César A; Hernández-Santoyo, Alejandra; Pedraza-Escalona, Martha; Mendoza, Guillermo; Hernández-Arana, Andrés; Rodrı́guez-Romero, Adela (2004). "Insights into a conformational epitope of Hev b 6.02 (hevein)". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 314 (1): 123–30.
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^Pedraza-Escalona, Martha; Becerril-Luján, Baltazar; Agundis, Concepción; Domínguez-Ramírez, Lenin; Pereyra, Ali; Riaño-Umbarila, Lidia; Rodríguez-Romero, Adela (2009). "Analysis of B-cell epitopes from the allergen Hev b 6.02 revealed by using blocking antibodies". Molecular Immunology. 46 (4): 668–76.
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