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Health care workers (HCW) are a high risk group for developing natural rubber latex (NRL) hypersensitivity and allergy. Some studies showed a correlation between time and frequency of exposure to NRL gloves and hypersensitivity, but a recent meta-analysis showed no clear evidences for such assumption.To determine the prevalence of NRL hypersensitivity and allergy in a group of HCW at the University of Chile Clinical Hospital.Ninety five HCW (aged 37+/-10 years, 59 females) were interviewed about time of exposure, atopic diseases and latex-related allergy symptoms. Different NRL extracts and seven NRL gloves brands were tested by the prick test method.Twenty four workers (25%, 95% CI = 16.9%-35.2%) were sensitized. No gender differences were found. No symptomatic cases were found in the sensitized group. In the workplace, six and two non sensitized subjects had respiratory symptoms or contact urticaria, respectively. Sensitivity to bananas, avocadoes, kiwi and chestnut was not significantly more common among latex sensitive individuals. No differences between sensitized and non sensitized subjects were observed for the presence of atopic diseases or the mean number of years at the workplace. The sensitization rate to NRL increased along with years of work, from 18.6% in patients working less than 10 years, to 28.1% in the group between 10 and 20 years and to 35% in those working more than 21 years (p=0.693). Sensitization was also related to the weekly hours of exposure: 1-10 hours, 17%; 11-20 hours, 23.5%; 21-30 hours, 50% and 31-40 hours, 28.5% (p=0.036).Sensitization increased proportionally to the years and weekly hours wearing NLR gloves. We did not find symptomatic patients in the sensitized group.

Background: Health care workers (HCW) are a high risk group for developing natural rubber latex (NRL) hypersensitivity and allergy. Some studies showed a correlation between time and frequency of exposure to NRL gloves and hypersensitivity, but a recent meta-analysis showed no clear evidences for such assumption. Aim: To determine the prevalence of NRL hypersensitivity and allergy in a group of HCW at the University of Chile Clinical Hospital. Materials and Methods: Ninety five HCW (aged 37±10 years, 59 females) were interviewed about time of exposure, atopic diseases and latex-related allergy symptoms. Different NRL extracts and seven NRL gloves brands were tested by the prick test method. Results: Twenty four workers (25%, 95% CI = 16.9%-35.2%) were sensitized. No gender differences were found. No symptomatic cases were found in the sensitized group. In the workplace, six and two non sensitized subjects had respiratory symptoms or contact urticaria, respectively. Sensitivity to bananas, avocadoes, kiwi and chestnut was not significantly more common among latex sensitive individuals. No differences between sensitized and non sensitized subjects were observed for the presence of atopic diseases or the mean number of years at the workplace. The sensitization rate to NRL increased along with years of work, from 18.6% in patients working less than 10 years, to 28.1% in the group between 10 and 20 years and to 35% in those working more than 21 years (p=0.693). Sensitization was also related to the weekly hours of exposure: 1-10 hours, 17%; 11-20 hours, 23.5%; 21-30 hours, 50% and 31-40 hours, 28.5% (p=0.036). Conclusions: Sensitization increased proportionally to the years and weekly hours wearing NLR gloves. We did not find symptomatic patients in the sensitized group

Salivary infection due to Streptococci mutans is considered the main microbiological risk factor for the initiation of dental caries.To evaluate a semi-quantitative method to assess Streptococci mutans salivary infection and compare it with the existing quantitative method.Saliva samples were obtained from 650 preschool children aged 2 to 6 years old using a TYCSB liquid medium for counting Streptococci mutans. Results were compared with quantitative cultures.There was a 99.3% linear correlation coefficient between both methods. The correlation coefficients with dental caries prevalence were 97% for the semi quantitative method and 90% for the quantitative method.The semi-quantitative method to assess oral infection with Streptococci mutans, is accurate enough to be used in population studies and oral infection prevention programs in developing countries.

Background: Salivary infection due to Streptococci mutans is considered the main microbiological risk factor for the initiation of dental caries. Aim: To evaluate a semi-quantitative method to assess Streptococci mutans salivary infection and compare it with the existing quantitative method. Patient and methods: Saliva samples were obtained from 650 pre-school children aged 2 to 6 years old using a TYCSB liquid medium for counting Streptococci mutans. Results were compared with quantitative cultures. Results: There was a 99.3% linear correlation coefficient between both methods. The correlation coefficients with dental caries prevalence were 97% for the semi quantitative method and 90% for the quantitative method. Conclusions: The semi-quantitative method to assess oral infection with Streptococci mutans, is accurate enough to be used in population studies and oral infection prevention programs in developing countries (Rev Med Chile 2003; 131: 412-8).