Hypersensitivity to Latex Gloves among Dental Students: Is the Pre-Matriculation Evaluation and Periodic Health Surveillance Necessary?
Journal Title: International Journal of Clinical & Medical Allergy (IJCMA) - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 1
Abstract
Latex allergy is a common occupational disease among healthcare workers who use latex gloves. Self-administrated questionnaires, physical examination and diverse allergic tests are largely used to assess data about natural history, risk factors, type of allergic reaction, etc. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of allergy to latex gloves among dental students. In this prospective study, a total of 240 students separated as non-exposed, shortly-exposed and longer-exposed during school practice completed a self-administrated questionnaire that comprised of a total of different items and gave information about the participants and their glove use, working habits and glove use, signs and symptoms related to glove use, precautions taken to minimize it, etc. Challenge and patch tests were performed through latex gloves, skin prick test with commercial extracts. Questionnaire items and diagnostic tests revealed that one-fourth of subjects were suspicious for latex gloves hypersensitivity. Their mean value for skin reactions like contact urticaria, irritant or allergic dermatitis was between 10% and 14%, while for other symptoms the mean value was under 5%. In general, students who experienced latex exposure over 2 years during their school practice have shown about a two-fold positive response for statements or diagnostic tests about latex gloves hypersensitivity. Also the Kendall tau coefficient progressed from non-exposed group to longer-exposed one for the majority of items. Because of relationship between allergic reactions to latex gloves and some medical histories, it seems to be necessary for pre-matriculation evaluation and periodic health surveillance of dental students.
Authors and Affiliations
Ervin Ç Mingomataj
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP324118
- DOI 10.19070/2332-2799-1700011
- Views 50
- Downloads 0
A Delayed Presentation of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP)
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) is a Type IVd hypersensitivity reaction that usually occurs within 1-5 days of drug exposure. The diagnosis is clinical and confirmed by skin biopsy. A scoring algorithm...
Risk Factors Exposure during the First Life Year and Asthma Development among Albanian Children
Background: Different environmental factors are accused as risk factors (RF) in the development of allergic respiratory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of exposure to suspected RFs during the first lif...
SEB/OVA Facilitated TIM4 Expression in Intestinal Antigen Presenting Cells via Acetylation of Histone H3
Background: Various animal models have been established to dictate the pathogenesis of food allergy and each one has its own limitation. This study aimed to investigate the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying Staphy...
Social Stigma, Discrimination, Marginalization and Prejudice towards Persons with Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review Study
Tuberculosis is one of the most commonly diseases in India. It is a highly infectious disease and most commonly affects the lungs of a person. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a Bacterium, Mycobacteri...
Study of the Correlation Between Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness and Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Subjects with Suspected Symptoms of Asthma
Background: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is one of main features of asthma within chronic inflammation and reversible bronchoconstriction. Actually, methacholine challenge is useful method to detect BHR in subject...