Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: We studied the prevalence of P ovata seed allergy among health care workers in geriatric care homes and compared it with a group of health care professionals not exposed to P ovata seed. Cross reactivity with Plantago lanceolata pollen was also studied. METHODS: Two groups of health professionals were recruited: 58 health care workers from geriatric care homes who were exposed daily to laxatives containing P ovata and 63 nonexposed health care professionals. The prevalence of allergy and sensitization to P ovata seed was determined based on clinical history, skin prick test, and analysis of specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E. IgE immunoblotting was performed to calculate the molecular weights of the P ovata seed allergens. Cross reactivity to P lanceolata pollen was studied by enzyme allergosorbent test (EAST) and immunoblot inhibition techniques. RESULTS: The prevalence of sensitization and clinical allergy to P ovata seed in the exposed group was 13.8% and 8.6%, respectively. No sensitization was observed in the nonexposed group. IgE- binding proteins of 17, 20, 25, 32-34, 54, 73-77, and > 97 kDa were identified. EAST inhibition and immunoblot inhibition demonstrated the existence of cross reactivity between P ovata seed and P lanceolata pollen extracts. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of sensitization to P ovata seed is high among health care workers in geriatric care homes (13.8%). A mild cross reactivity between P ovata seed and P lanceolata pollen was observed.
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Authors | N Bernedo, M García, G Gastaminza, E Fernández, B Bartolomé, J Algorta, D Muñoz |
Journal | Journal of investigational allergology & clinical immunology
(J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol)
Vol. 18
Issue 3
Pg. 181-9
( 2008)
ISSN: 1018-9068 [Print] Spain |
PMID | 18564629
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Allergens
- Laxatives
- Immunoglobulin E
- Psyllium
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Topics |
- Adult
- Allergens
(immunology)
- Cross Reactions
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Female
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate
(epidemiology, immunology)
- Immunoglobulin E
(blood)
- Laxatives
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nurses
- Occupational Diseases
(epidemiology, immunology)
- Plantago
(immunology)
- Pollen
(immunology)
- Prevalence
- Psyllium
(immunology)
- Skin Tests
- Spain
(epidemiology)
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