In vivo sensitization to purified Hevea brasiliensis proteins in health care workers sensitized to natural rubber latex

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003 Mar;111(3):610-6. doi: 10.1067/mai.2003.164.

Abstract

Background: Thirteen proteins of natural rubber latex (Hevea brasiliensis) known to bind human IgE have been isolated and characterized as Hev b allergens. However, the in vivo importance of native Hev b allergens has not been defined in health care workers (HCWs) with natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy.

Objectives: The principal aim of this study was to identify the major in vivo Hev b allergens in HCWs with NRL allergy confirmed by percutaneous sensitivity to nonammoniated latex (NAL).

Methods: Skin prick testing was performed with 7 (native) proteins purified from NAL (Hev b 1, 2, 3, 4, 6.01, 7.01, and a newly described Hev b 13) and recombinant Hev b 5 in 62 HCWs with histories of NRL allergy (group 1) confirmed by percutaneous reactivity to NAL and in 49 atopic HCWs without NRL allergy (group 2). Serial 10-fold concentrations of Hev b proteins (5 x 10(-5) microg/mL to 50 microg/mL) were tested; serum samples of subjects were assayed for serum specific IgE by immunoassays.

Results: Hev b 2, Hev b 5, Hev b 6.01, and Hev b 13 produced skin reactions in more than 60% of group 1 subjects, with Hev b 1, 3, 4, and 7.01 eliciting reactions in less than 50%. Only 1 of 49 group 2 workers reacted to a single Hev b antigen (Hev b 13). Specificity of 7 Hev b allergens was 100% and 98% for Hev b 13 in identifying workers with confirmed NRL allergy. Specific IgE by AlaSTAT and CAP immunoassays was elevated in 40 of 60 (67%) and 33 of 62 (53%) of NAL-reactive workers and produced false-positive test results in 4 of 49 (8%) and 3 of 48 (6%) group 2 subjects, respectively.

Conclusion: Hev b 2, 5, and 6.01 are major in vivo allergens and Hev b 13 is a new major in vivo allergen among HCWs with allergy to NRL.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Female
  • Health Personnel*
  • Hevea / chemistry
  • Hevea / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay
  • Latex Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Proteins / immunology*
  • Plant Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Hev b 13 allergen, Hevea brasiliensis
  • Hev b 2 allergen, Hevea brasiliensis
  • Hev b 6.01 protein, Hevea brasiliensis
  • Plant Proteins
  • allergen Hev b 5