Characterization of latex allergens and correlation of serum IgE/IgG antibody ratio with clinical symptoms.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to study latex-specific IgE and IgG. Levels of these immunoglobulins were correlated with latex allergy severity. Total protein content and relative immunoreactivity of 12 different brands of disposable gloves were compared. Specific latex proteins were extracted and characterized by immunoblotting. Blots revealed that the major latex allergen, reactive with both IgE and IgG, was a 34 KD component. Protein content varied among brands of gloves but correlated with immunoreactivity (R = 0.683; P < 0.017). The ratio of IgE/IgG correlated positively with symptom severity (R = 0.689; P < 0.001) and was useful to predict the severity of latex allergy.