Synonyms
Caoutchouc; Latex allergy
Definition
While additives which are required for the manufacturing process and for stabilization of rubber (like the sulfur-containing vulcanizers (mercaptobenzothiazoles, carbamates, thiurams), antioxidants (amines), and rubber pigments) may induce an allergic late-phase (type IV) sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis (Shah and Chowdhury 2011), rubber products made from natural latex contain a small amount of proteins, which can induce immediate-type (type I) sensitization and allergic immediate-type symptoms. This entry will focus on sensitization and allergy to natural rubber latex produced from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis.
Historical Background
Latex is a sap-like extract which is derived from various plants. It is usually exuded upon tissue injury and has important functions involved in wound healing and antimicrobial defense. Latex contains a complex mixture of various biochemical compounds, e.g., proteins, resins, and gums. Some...
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Ruëff, F. (2014). Sensitization and Allergy to Natural Rubber Latex. In: Mackay, I.R., Rose, N.R., Ledford, D.K., Lockey, R.F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Medical Immunology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9194-1_468
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