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Background: Three spice mill workers developed work-related allergy and asthma after prolonged exposure to high levels (>10 mg/m3) of inhalable spice dust. Patterns of sensitization to a variety of spices and putative allergens were identified. Methods: Work-related allergy and asthma were assessed on history, clinical evaluation, pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide. Specific IgE reactivity to a range of common inhalant, food and spice allergens was evaluated using ImmunoCAP and allergen microarray. The presence of non-IgE-mediated reactions was determined by basophil stimulation (CAST-ELISA). Specific allergens were identified by immunoblotting to extracts of raw and dried processed garlic, onion and chili pepper. Results: Asthma was confirmed in all 3 subjects, with work-related patterns prominent in worker 1 and 3. Sensitization to multiple spices and pollen was observed in both atopic workers 1 and 2, whereas garlic and chili pepper sensitization featured in all 3 workers. Microarray analysis demonstrated prominent profilin reactivity in atopic worker 2. Immunoblotting demonstrated a 50-kDa cross-reactive allergen in garlic and onion, and allergens of approximately 40 and 52 kDa in chili pepper. Dry powdered garlic and onion demonstrated greater IgE binding. Conclusions: This study demonstrated IgE reactivity to multiple spice allergens in workers exposed to high levels of inhalable spice dust. Processed garlic and onion powder demonstrated stronger IgE reactivity than the raw plant. Atopy and polysensitization to various plant profilins, suggesting pollen-food syndrome, represent additional risk factors for sensitizer-induced work-related asthma in spice mill workers. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occupational allergy to latex is generally reported from occupational groups such as health care workers; however, few reports derive from other occupational settings. Methods: Two male subjects working as loom tuners in a textile manufacturing plant developed severe allergic reactions during the cutting and weaving of elastic bands, initially not suspected to contain latex constituents. Clinical evaluation and lung function tests were supplemented by skin prick testing, specific IgE evaluation and basophil activation assays with extracted elastic bands. Results: Both workers presented with rhinitis, episodes of tight chest and itchy eyes. Initial spirometry was normal with no significant reversibility; however, a histamine challenge test was positive in one worker. Skin prick testing to a battery of common inhalant allergens was negative; however, raised IgE levels were detected to latex using ImmunoCAP. On further testing, the specific IgE response was directed mainly to the major latex allergens rHev b 5, rHev b 6.01, rHev b 6.02 and nHev b 13. Basophils of the two workers, but not the unaffected control subjects, were strongly activated by extracts of the elastic and the cutting dust material. Conclusions: Workers are at high risk of becoming sensitised to latex allergens when exposed to excessive dust produced by loom tuning machines. Latex sensitisation should therefore be considered in workers developing unexplained work-related allergic reactions (including asthma) associated with unlabelled materials in the textile industry. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aerosolization of fish proteins during seafood processing has been identified as a potential route for allergic sensitization and occupational asthma among workers involved in high-risk activities. The aim of this study was to develop immunological assays for the quantification of aerosolized fish antigens in a fish-processing factory. Methods: Polyclonal antibodies to the main fish species processed in the factory (anchovy and pilchard) were generated in rabbits and compared by ELISA inhibition assay and immunoblotting. These antisera were utilized to develop ELISA assays for the detection of fish antigens. The ELISA inhibition assays were evaluated by analyzing environmental air samples collected from three areas in a fish-processing factory: pilchard canning, fish meal production and lobster processing. Results: By immunoblotting, the rabbit polyclonal antibodies demonstrated IgG antibody binding patterns comparable with IgE antibodies of fish-sensitized patients, particularly in regard to the major fish allergens parvalbumins. The sensitivity of the fish-specific ELISA assays developed was 0.5 μg/ml. The ELISA inhibition assays were able to differentiate between the two different fish species of interest but did not recognize a crustacean species. Notable differences in exposure levels to canned pilchard and anchovy antigens were demonstrated in the three different working areas of the factory, with assays having a detection limit as low as 105 ng/m3. Conclusion: These ELISA-based assays are sensitive and specific to quantify differential exposure levels to fish antigens produced during fish processing, making it possible to investigate exposure-disease response relationships among workers in this industry. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to organic dust produced by birds often gives rise to an immune response, e.g. IgG antibodies, but intense exposure can lead to high concentrations of IgG antibodies and the development of allergic alveolitis, often known as ‘bird fancier’s lung’. The aim of this study was to establish the distribution of bird-specific IgG antibodies in exposed and nonexposed individuals and compare a nonquantitative and quantitative method in evaluating raised levels of IgG antibodies. Methods: Sera were collected in Sweden and South Africa and levels of IgG antibodies specific to pigeon, budgerigar and parrot antigens were quantified using the UniCAP system. Results were compared to the precipitation in gel assay. The IgG antibody values of symptomatic patients without precipitating antibodies (non-PP group; n = 51) and patients with precipitating antibodies (PP group; n = 34) were analyzed and compared to nonexposed asymptomatic blood donors (BD group; n = 73) and environmentally exposed pigeon breeders (n = 11). Results: The IgG antibody response of the analyzed groups in Sweden and South Africa did not vary significantly from each other. IgG antibody responses were the strongest to pigeon antigens with clear increased IgG antibody levels in the PP group [geometric mean (GM) 603 mg/l] compared to the non-PP (GM 6.9 mg/l) and BD group (GM 5.0 mg/l). Threshold values, calculated as the GM value from the BD group plus 3 standard deviations (99% confidence interval), were 9.8, 10.8 and 10.0 mg/l for pigeons, budgerigars and parrots, respectively. Comparison of the two methods resulted in a good concordance with a level of agreement of 94.1% (kappa statistic = 0.83). Conclusions: The UniCAP system for the detection of bird-specific IgG antibodies is a highly reproducible, generally available, quantitative method for routine diagnostic testing and monitoring of exposed subjects with a very high level of agreement to the precipitating gel assay. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]