Surgical glove powders bind latex antigens
D. Beezhold and W. C. Beck
Laboratory of Macrophage Biology, Guthrie Foundation for Medical Research, Sayre, Pa. 18840.
Latex surgical gloves have recently been identified as a potential source
of allergens. Much of the current information suggests that the soluble
proteins in latex may cause significant reactions in sensitive individuals.
The starch powders used as a lubricant on some latex gloves have also been
identified as potential allergens in some patients. In this study, we
determined these powders to act as potential carriers of latex allergens.
We have produced a polyclonal antiserum to be used as a reagent to study
latex proteins. By Western blot analysis, we identified a significant
interaction between latex proteins and starch powders. The binding of latex
proteins to starch particles results in a glove particle that may have an
increased potential to act as an allergen. The latex protein-starch
particles represent a potential mechanism for exposure and sensitization of
health care workers to latex allergens. Elimination of these particles from
the operating room should reduce the route of sensitization and the
potential for adverse reactions to latex.
