The prevalence of specific IgE to natural rubber latex proteins in the general population remains uncertain.The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of sera containing specific IgE antibodies to latex proteins using immunoenzymatic methods.
A population of 500 unselected adult voluntary blood donors was the source of the sera used in this study. Two different immunoenzymatic methods (EAST and CARLA) were used to analyze the presence of specific IgE antibodies. Confirmation assay was carried out by inhibition ELISA and immunoblotting. Sera from healthy nonatopic individuals were also used as control.
Two hundred and twenty five sera showed higher than normal total IgE levels. Of those, three presented latex specific IgE antibodies, which could be inhibited in a dose response manner with the natural rubber latex and glove extracts. Several latex allergens were recognized by the IgE antibodies from these positive sera.
This low seroprevalence (0.66 %) indicates that latex hypersensitivity is not an important problem in the general population. We believe that prevention of latex exposure is only necessary in high risk groups of patients.

Key words: Latex allergy, IgE, ELISA, serology