[Four-year follow-up of a group of workers with allergic sensitization employed in breeding of insects for biological pest control].

In two previous papers we reported allergic diseases in workers employed in breeding insects for biological pest control. It was found that Ephestia kuehniella, Orius laevigatus and other insects caused allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. The aim of this new study was to assess the relationship between the implementation of the recommended preventive measures and the decrease in sensitization in exposed workers. We performed a four-year follow-up of exposed workers, using the prick test and RAST with specific allergens and pulmonary function test at the end of the work shift. The results showed a decrease in skin test sensitization for Orius and Ephestia, a decrease in allergic diseases in the previously studied workers, and no symptoms in recently employed workers. These results confirm the validity of the recommended preventive measures: semi-closed cycles, gloves, protective masks, overalls and sunglasses.