Occupational rhinitis, asthma, and contact urticaria from IgE-mediated allergy to pork

Am J Ind Med. 2019 Jan;62(1):80-84. doi: 10.1002/ajim.22921. Epub 2018 Nov 25.

Abstract

We describe four cases of slaughterhouse workers with occupational immediate allergy to raw pork allergens, confirmed by positive skin prick testing and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Our first patient was diagnosed with occupational asthma from raw pork allergens. Two patients were diagnosed with occupational rhinitis caused by raw pork allergens, which was confirmed by a nasal provocation test. One of these also had occupational contact urticaria caused by raw pork meat. We were unable to diagnose an occupational respiratory or skin disease in the fourth patient, despite signs of immediate sensitization to raw pork meat from occupational exposure. Based on proper diagnoses, measures to prevent allergen exposure were taken, which led to the improvement of symptoms in these four patients. The present patient cases highlight the importance of recognition of early signs of occupational allergy and identification of causative allergens in order to allow avoidance of allergens, with the aim of preventing persistence and worsening of symptoms.

Keywords: immediate allergy; nasal provocation test; pork meat; skin prick test; slaughterhouse work.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abattoirs
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Asthma, Occupational / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Occupational Diseases / immunology
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control
  • Red Meat
  • Rhinitis / diagnosis
  • Skin Tests
  • Swine
  • Urticaria / diagnosis

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin E

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