The use of
natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves in many occupations may lead to
latex sensitization, allergic
asthma, and skin reactions. Due to their good properties and environmental safety NRL gloves are still being used in the healthcare setting, but also in the food industry, by hairdressers, cleaners, etc. The aim of our study was to assess the
protein and NRL
allergen content in commercial gloves by different methods, including a new assay. Twenty commercially available NRL gloves were analyzed.
Protein extraction was performed according to the international standard ASTM D-5712. Total
protein content was measured with a modified Lowry method, NRL content with the CAP Inhibition Assay, the Beezhold ELISA Inhibition Assay, and an innovative ELISA with
IgY-
antibodies extracted from eggs of NRL-immunized hens (
IgY Inhibition Assay). We found a high
protein content in a range of 215.0-1304.7 μg/g in 8 out of the 20 NRL gloves. Seven of the 20 gloves were powdered, four of them with a high
protein content. In gloves with high
protein content, the immunological tests detected congruently high levels of NRL
allergen. We conclude that a high percentage of commercially available NRL gloves still represent a risk for NRL
allergy, including
asthma. The modified Lowry Method allows to infer on the
latex allergen content.