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  • 1
    ISSN: 1365-2222
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background An increasing number of allergic complaints appear to have occurred among bell pepper greenhouse employees.Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of work-related allergic symptoms and the prevalence of sensitization to specific occupational allergens and its determinants.Methods We studied 472 employees who were invited to answer an extensive questionnaire and to be tested on location with inhalant allergens and home-made extracts of the bell pepper plant. In addition, peak expiratory flow monitoring and RASTs were performed.Results Work-related symptoms were reported in 53.8% of all cases. Sensitization to the bell pepper plant was found in 35.4%. Positive reactions to leaf, stem and/or juice, however, were associated in nearly 90% with sensitization to pollen, which appeared to be most important allergen of the plant. Sensitization to the bell pepper plant and inhalant atopy were considered the most important risk factors for the occurrence of work-related symptoms of the upper airways (PRR 2.63, CI 2.11–3.25 and PRR 2.25, CI 1.82–2.79) as well as of the lower airways (PRR 4.08, CI 2.38–7.00 and PRR 3.16, CI 1.87–5.33).Conclusion There is a surprisingly high prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms (53.8%) in bell pepper horticulture. In two-thirds of the employees, symptoms at work were associated with an IgE-mediated allergy due to the high and chronic exposure to bell pepper pollen. Complaints at work without specific sensitization to bell pepper pollen can be caused by non-specific hyper-reactivity or atopy to other occupational allergens. The extent of this occupational allergy has important consequences for the health care of this large, still growing occupational group.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 2
    ISSN: 1365-2222
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background Exposure to house dust mite (HDM) allergens can lead to the development of allergic complaints. Mattress covers seem to be an obvious option for lowering allergen exposure in sensitized individuals. Previous studies have shown that Dermatophagoides pteronissinus was the most prevalent HDM species in the Netherlands.Objective In the present study, we investigated the effect of mattress covers on Der p 1 and Der f 1 concentrations in dust samples in three areas in the Netherlands; Groningen, Utrecht and Rotterdam.Methods Dust was obtained from mattresses of 277 patients at the beginning of the study and after 12 months of the placebo-controlled intervention. It was analysed for allergen content by immunoassay. The differential effect of the intervention on Der p 1 vs. Der f 1 was analysed in a subgroup with Der p 1+Der f 1〉1 μg/g dust (N=161). It was tested whether the intervention caused a significant change in the Der f 1/Der p 1 ratio.Results At t=0 we found very similar levels of the group 1 allergens of both species. The relatively high prevalence of D. farinae in our study was geographically restricted: the median Der f 1/Der p 1 ratio was 11.1 in the Rotterdam area compared with 1.32 in the Utrecht area and 0.33 in the Groningen area. Analysis of our data showed that the favourable intervention effect found for the combined allergen data (reduction factor=2.9, P〈0.001) is essentially due to a favourable effect of the intervention on the Der f 1 levels only (reduction factor=3.6, P〈0.001). The effect on the Der p 1 level was remarkably small (reduction factor: 1.2, P=0.48). In the intervention group, the Der f 1/Der p 1 ratio decreased after 12 months by a factor 2.0, whereas in the placebo group it increased (probability of the intervention effect: P〈0.005).Conclusion Mite-impermeable covers are more effective in reducing the level of Der f 1 than that of Der p 1.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 3
    ISSN: 1365-2222
    Source: Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Background Allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis are closely associated. Although population-based studies report a high prevalence of rhinitis among asthma patients, less is known of the association between rhinitis and atopic dermatitis and the severity of concomitant rhinitis.Objectives We aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of allergic rhinitis among asthmatics and patients with atopic dermatitis and assessed whether age and comorbidity influence the severity of rhinitis signs and symptoms.Methods Three hundred and twenty-five patients recruited for a multicentre trial to study the effect of encasings of mattresses, pillows and duvets on signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis and/or asthma and/or atopic dermatitis recorded visual analogue scores (VAS) and daily symptom scores and underwent nasal challenge tests with house dust mite (HDM).Results Based on history and clinical symptoms 92% of the 164 asthmatic patients and 85% of the 86 patients with atopic dermatitis could be diagnosed as having rhinitis. Inclusion of a positive provocation to HDM did not result in a substantial lower prevalence of rhinitis. Subjects reported moderate symptoms, with mean rhinitis VAS scores ranging from 40.0 to 55.0. Presence of atopic dermatitis was associated with lower rhinitis VAS and symptoms scores, whereas in multivariate analysis the presence of asthma was positively associated with nasal responsiveness to HDM.Conclusion The prevalence of nasal symptoms in patients with bronchial asthma or atopic dermatitis and sensitized to house dust mites is high. Although the majority of patients experience mild to moderate symptoms, the presence of nasal disease needs to be examined in all patients with atopic disorders.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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