Occupational sensitization to lactase in the dietary supplement industry. Issue 5 (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stöcker, Benedikt; Grundmann, Sonja; Mosters, Pia; Nitzsche, Paul; Brehler, Randolf
• Is Part Of: Archives of environmental & occupational health. Volume 71:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 259
• Page End: 267
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Aspergillus oryzae -- enzyme allergy -- inhalative allergy -- lactase -- occupational; Medicine, Preventive -- Periodicals; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Occupational diseases -- Periodicals; Environmental Health -- Periodicals; Occupational Medicine -- Periodicals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2015.1066294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1933-8244

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Aerogen lactase exposure carries a risk for the development of allergic asthma and rhinitis; only a few occupationally affected patients have been reported. The authors report the results of allergy testing with employees of a lactase tablets manufacturing plant. The survey involved 13 workers, including a questionnaire, spirometry, basophil activation test (BAT), and skin prick tests (SPTs) with lactase and a panel of common aeroallergens. Furthermore, lactase-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies were analyzed. Sensitization to lactase could be proven for 9 workers by SPT and BAT; specific IgE antibodies could be detected in serum samples of all sensitized. However, IgE levels ≥0.35 kU/L were only found in 4 sera. These data confirm that occupational exposure to lactase can induce IgE-mediated respiratory sensitization resulting in allergic diseases. Protective measures should thus be obligatory when working with lactase.