Alergia na lateks – reakcje krzyżowe

In general population patients sensitive to latex represent less than 1%, while in risk groups the number can reach even several dozen percent. The main factor predisposing to the development of allergy is the exposure to latex. Symptoms of allergy may be local and/or generalized. Base diagnostics are interview and determination of sIgE in the skin or in the serum, sometimes supplemented by the provocation tests. The most common cause of cross-reactions to latex is fruits, which refers to a group of 30–80% people with allergy to latex. Modern diagnostic methods including recombinant allergens allow differentiating cross-reactions with co-sensitization. Prevention focuses on avoiding contact with latex.