Quantification of protein and latex allergen content of various natural rubber latex products

Reduced protein levels in latex gloves may play an alternative approach to lowering latex sensitization risks among health workers; a cross-sectional analytical study

BACKGROUND

Latex gloves are essential for protecting healthcare workers from biological hazards but pose a risk of latex allergy, particularly due to powdered, protein, and allergen content. Recent advancements in latex glove manufacturing have led to reduced levels of extractable proteins, a known factor triggering allergenic reaction. This study aimed to compare latex sensitization between nursing staff using low-protein and high-protein latex gloves at a tertiary university hospital in Thailand.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analytical study categorized participants into two groups based on glove exposure: the low extractable protein group (only exposed to non-powdered latex gloves with extractable protein levels below 50 µg/g) and the high extractable protein group (exposed to powdered latex gloves with levels above 50 µg/g). The sample size comprised 163 individuals in the low protein group and 318 in the high protein group (1:2). Latex allergy symptoms and sensitization were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire and latex-specific IgE measurement (ImmunoCAP), respectively. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, including odds ratios and 95%CI.

RESULTS

Demographic data was mostly similar in both exposure groups except for age. No significant differences in latex sensitization between the low and high protein groups were found via latex-specific IgE measurement (crude OR 1.90, 95%CI: 0.5, 7.18), potentially attributed to lower extractable protein levels in powdered latex gloves compared to previous studies. In contrast, the low protein group exhibited significantly fewer current latex allergy symptoms in both bivariate (crude OR 0.24, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.74) and multiple variable analysis (adjusted OR 0.18, 95%CI: 0.04, 0.86). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in latex allergy symptoms among the low protein group, decreasing from 9.8% who reported experiencing symptoms (when powdered latex gloves were used) to 1.2% who still reported current symptoms (OR 0.11, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the importance of using non-powdered and low-protein latex gloves to reduce latex allergy symptoms while emphasizing the need for further investigation into the relationship between extractable protein levels in addition to the attempt of the major allergen removal and latex sensitization amid evolving glove manufacturing practices.

Latex content in adult vaccines

INTRODUCTION

Hypersensitivity reactions to natural rubber latex are well-characterized occupational concerns for health care personnel. Health care providers are at increased risk for exposure and possibly transmission of vaccine preventable diseases. Therefore, many health care facilities require providers to be vaccinated against these diseases to maintain employment. Mandatory vaccination for these health care providers presents potential challenges and safety concerns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a commercial Latex Allergen ELISA Assay kit for Hev b 1, we evaluated the latex content of HAVRIX, ENGERIX-B, TWINRIX, and BOOSTRIX all manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.

RESULTS

These data demonstrate undetectable Hev b 1 content among all of the vaccines tested. This study provides the first known data regarding natural rubber latex content in adult vaccines.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed undetectable levels of Hev b 1 natural rubber latex content in the tested adult vaccines. These data provide evidence for prospective studies into the safety of vaccinating latex allergic patients.