Cellulase allergy and challenge tests with cellulase using immunologic assessment.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

This study attempted to develop and evaluate a challenge test for diagnosing allergic asthma and rhinitis due to cellulase.

METHODS:

Challenge tests in a chamber were performed on 11 persons sensitized to cellulase. Four different enzyme-lactose mixtures, starting from a 0.03% mixture, were used. The enzyme dust was generated from a dry enzyme preparation mixed with lactose powder, using pressurized air. The cellulase concentration in the air was measured with an immunochemical method.

RESULTS:

Nasal, pharyngeal, or bronchial symptoms could be elicited at cellulase air concentrations of 1 to 1300 microg/m3. A dose-response relationship was observed for symptoms in repeated challenge tests with increasing concentrations of cellulase. For 2 persons skin symptoms could also be reproduced.

CONCLUSION:

The challenge method proved to be a practical means with which to simulate conditions at the worksite and elicit the specific respiratory symptoms of the patients.

• Authors: M Vanhanen, T Tuomi, O Tupasela, H Keskinen, M Tuppurainen, M Hytönen, K Tarvainen, L Kanerva, H Nordman
• Journal: Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health (Scand J Work Environ Health) Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pg. 250-6 (Jun 2000) ISSN: 0355-3140 [Print] Finland
• PMID: 10901118 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Dust
• Cellulase

Topics

• Adult
• Asthma (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Cellulase (adverse effects, analysis, immunology)
• Dust (adverse effects)
• Female
• Finland
• Humans
• Inhalation Exposure (adverse effects, analysis)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Respiratory Function Tests
• Rhinitis (chemically induced, diagnosis)