Identification of allergenic proteins in condoms by immunoenzymatic methods

DOCENA GUILLERMO; FERNANDEZ RITA; BENITEZ PABLO; FOSSATI ALBERTO

ANNALS OF ALLERGY, ASTHAMA & IMMUNOLOGY

AMER COLL ALLERGY ASTHMA IMMUNOLOGY

Año: 2000 vol. 85 p. 77 - 83

1081-1206

BACKGROUND: A large increase of allergy to latex proteins has been observed lately probably as a result of a great use of latex-containing goods. At present these untoward reactions have led to consideration of this problem as a health and occupational hazard. It is therefore, necessary to identify the allergens contained in latex-manufactured products and to develop effective diagnostic tools to detect sensitized individuals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify antigenic and allergenic components in latex condoms by using chemical, immunochemical, and immunoenzymatic methods. METHODS: The protein content of extracts obtained from several brands of condoms was determined and characterized by using a modified Lowry method, a quantitative ELISA assay and SDS-PAGE. The allergenic behavior of these proteins was studied by IgE immunoblotting, EAST and ELISA techniques, using sera from subjects allergic to latex products, particularly to latex condoms. RESULTS: Wide variations in the protein content (38 to 740 microg/g product) and composition were observed. The SDS-PAGE protein profiles showed components ranging from 7 to 94 kD of relative molecular weights; most of them were also detected in natural rubber latex. The most prominent bands were revealed in the 14 and 30 kD zones. A strong band of 69 kD in the SDS-PAGE profiles would correspond to a neoantigen, since it was not observed in natural latex. The immunoblotting analysis employing sera from 5 patients allergic to latex condoms showed the presence of 4 components with IgE binding capacity (14, 30, 69, and 94 kD). The EAST and ELISA methods showed the presence of allergens in all the condom brands studied. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of allergenic proteins in several condom brands was demonstrated by different immunoenzymatic methods.