Current Situation of Allergy to Latex Protein in Medical Gloves and Preventive Measures among Health Personnel
Keywords:
latex allergy, gloves allergy, occupational health, health workers, hospitalAbstract
Since the 1980s, latex allergy has been a common occupational health problem for health personnel. While some western countries have successfully reduced the prevalence of latex allergy among health personnel from 8.3 – 17% to 2.9 – 5.9% after banning the usage of powdered latex gloves (the major source of latex allergen), latex allergy problem still presented in some developing countries. This review article aimed to identify the current situation and preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of latex allergy among health personnel, particularly in developing countries. The study found that the prevalence of latex allergy in some Asian countries, where powdered latex glove policies were not fully implemented, was slightly similar to those of Western countries after implementing the policy at 2 – 6.8%, suggesting a possible genetic component. Alongside glove replacement, in the later years, other preventive strategies could be implemented to reduce latex allergy cases among health personnel. These strategies include improving technology in the production process to reduce latex allergens in gloves at the industrial level, implementing educational programs to increase awareness and screening and surveillance systems to identify health personnel who may be at higher risk for developing latex allergy, and case management for workers with latex allergy. These measures may be more appropriate for developing countries where the implementation of a ban may not be feasible.
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