José Marcos de Jesus Santos

Skin hypersensitivity to banana and risk for latexfruit syndrome in healthcare professionals

Latex-fruit syndrome occurs because of a cross-reaction between antigens present in latex and those present in certain fruits, such as bananas. Healthcare professionals are at a risk because of the constant occupational exposure to latex. The aim of this study is to determine skin sensitivity to bananas and the risk factors for the manifestation of latex-fruit syndrome in healthcare professionals. A convenience sample was tested, comprised of 150 professionals registered in the healthcare services network of the city of Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil. A skin prick test was performed, and a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic and working conditions as well as history of signs and symptoms of allergies was administered. The hypersensitivity skin test results were found to be positive for banana in 12.7% (n=19) of the individuals. The majority of the individuals who were hypersensitive to banana had a moderate-to-high profile of occupational latex exposure (89.5%; n=17). In addition, symptomatic latex-fruit syndrome was observed in 4% (n=6) of the individuals. However, personal and/or family history of allergies and occupational latex exposure profiles were not associated with hypersensitivity to banana. It is recommended that the skin prick test be performed to evaluate individuals belonging to the risk groups in order to prevent more severe reactions and improve the quality of life through strategies to reduce signs and symptoms of allergies.