Abstract | BACKGROUND: The prevalence of latex allergy is high (to 17%) among groups at risk such healthcare workers. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and severity of allergy to latex gloves among health workers in Dakar. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in three of the five hospitals in Dakar (Senegal). A randomized sample was constituted. All healthcare workers required to use latex gloves in their work were included. A questionnaire was administered. The analysis was performed using the Epi-info software package (6.0). RESULTS: One hundred and forty cases were included. The median age was 39 years and the sex-ratio was 0.57. Sixty-six (47%) cases had familial atopic dermatitis, 13 (9.6%) had atopic dermatitis, and 4 (2.9%) indicated food allergy (banana, avocado). Irritant dermatitis was found in 40.7% of cases, 112 healthcare workers (81.2%) used bleach and water to clean their hands. Antiseptics were used frequently: 75.5% of those interviewed used them more than three times a day. None of the healthcare workers indicated any allergy to latex condoms. Otherwise surgical procedures and bladder/rectal catheters were noted respectively in 24% and 18% cases. Fifteen healthcare workers (10.7%), of whom 12 were women, indicated appearance of clinical signs when using latex gloves. The clinical manifestations were: contact urticaria or immediate pruritus (8 cases), combined contact dermatitis and contact urticaria (2 cases), allergic conjunctivitis (1 case), allergic rhinitis (2 cases) and asthma (2 cases). We also noted 6 cases of contact dermatitis. Rechallenge tests were performed in 7 cases and were positive, 2/3 prick-tests and 1/4 patch-tests (standard European battery). The statistical analysis shows that allergy to latex gloves was significantly associated with atopy and irritant dermatitis (p<0.03). DISCUSSION:
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Authors | F Ly, I Mbaye, I Wone, C Gaye-Fall, M-L M Sow, B Ndiaye, A Mahé |
Journal | Annales de dermatologie et de venereologie
(Ann Dermatol Venereol)
Vol. 133
Issue 12
Pg. 971-4
(Dec 2006)
ISSN: 0151-9638 [Print] France |
Vernacular Title | Allergie aux gants en latex chez les professionnels de la santé à Dakar. |
PMID | 17185926
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Multicenter Study)
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Topics |
- Adult
- Dermatitis, Atopic
(epidemiology)
- Dermatitis, Irritant
(epidemiology)
- Female
- Health Personnel
- Humans
- Latex Hypersensitivity
(epidemiology)
- Male
- Occupational Diseases
(epidemiology)
- Risk Factors
- Senegal
(epidemiology)
- Surveys and Questionnaires
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