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Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a specific phenotype of allergic rhinitis. One characteristic feature of LAR is a medical history indicative of an allergic disease, negative skin-prick test results, undetectable levels of specific IgE, and a positive allergen-specific nasal provocation test. This paper presents a case of a patient with LAR and underlying house dust mite allergy, who was ultimately diagnosed >10 years after the onset of his first symptoms. Currently, there are only pharmacological treatments available for LAR. However, some studies show encouraging results with the use of allergen-specific immunotherapy in LAR, which offer hope for a future use of this causative treatment in LAR patients. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(2):241-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reviews the literature reports on low molecular weight (LMW) sensitizers that are commonly encountered in the work environment as well as on the major mechanisms responsible for their effect on the immune cells of the respiratory tract. Current studies have focused on: LMW-antigens; the role of airway epithelial and dendritic cells (DCs); activation of naive helper T (Th) cells by DCs; naive B cell-effector Th2 cell interactions; and activation of mast cells by LMW asthmogens. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of occupational asthma due to LMW asthmogens should facilitate the development of better diagnostics and the improvement of strategies for disease surveillance and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Exposure to latex allergens in latex gloves can cause occupational health problems in nurses, yet latex gloves are still widely used in Thai hospitals. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine the prevalence of latex sensitization in nurses and identify risk factors associated with sensitization. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire, providing information on personal characteristics, ill-health, working conditions and symptoms related to latex product use, was administered to 363 female nurses working in two tertiary hospitals in southern Thailand. Latex sensitization was confirmed using a solid phase immunoassay to detect anti-latex IgE antibodies. Total glove protein levels were determined by using a modified Lowry method and latex aeroallergens by a competitive inhibition immunoassay. Results: The overall prevalence of latex sensitization was 4.4%. Respiratory symptoms related to latex glove use were significantly associated with latex sensitization (OR = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.57-19). Total glove protein levels ranged 87.8-250.8 μg protein/dm. The prevalence of latex sensitization was higher (6.6% vs. 2.2%) in the hospital where gloves with higher protein levels (82-438 μg/g vs. 86-170 μg/g) were used. Furthermore, latex sensitization prevalence increased from 3% to 5% with increased average departmental aeroallergen concentrations. Conclusions: Latex sensitization prevalence in Thai nurses was higher than previously reported. Respiratory exposure seems to play an important role, in addition to dermal exposure. If latex gloves cannot be replaced by non-latex alternatives, replacement with gloves with lower protein content should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]