The evidence suggests that surgery of the spine or genitourinary tract carries a particularly high risk for latex sensitization, possibly related to altered neuroimmune mechanisms. Nevertheless, any individual with perioperative anaphylaxis should be suspected of having latex allergy. An interesting aspect of latex allergy is that latex allergens have been reported to cross react with allergens from a number of different foods including avocado, apricot, banana, chestnut, grape, kiwi, passion fruit, papaya, pear, and pineapple. Although we have identified cross reactivity to banana more frequently than to the other foods, taking a thorough history regarding symptoms after the ingestion of all foods reported to cross react with latex is indicated. Diagnosing latex allergy Return to the Table of Contents.
Latex allergy can present as either immediate or delayed hypersensitivity.
An immediate, Type I reaction is mediated by specific IgE antibodies, and may produce conjunctivitis, rhinitis, or contact urticaria. When more severe, this reaction can cause asthma or anaphylaxis. Indeed, some cases of unexplained or perioperative anaphylaxis have been found to occur as the result of latex allergy. Type I reactions are diagnosed by skin prick testing to latex glove extracts or by serum immunoassays. The delayed form of latex allergy is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction that results in contact dermatitis mediated by T cells.