Resumo

PORRAS, Oscar. Alergia al látex: historia, epidemiología, prevención y tratamiento. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2003, vol.45, n.4, pp.145-153. ISSN 0001-6002.

IgE-mediated allergy to natural rubber latex has become a significant health problem among health care workers, patients with spina bifida or with a history of multiple surgical interventions. Curative treatment using immunotherapy, is not the most effective approach. Preventive measures reduce latex allergy incidence and are a better strategy for this public health problem. In this article, we discuss history, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of latex allergy.The differences between sensitization and allergy and the chemical aspects of natural rubber and its proteins are analysed. The definition of a risk group allows the development of an strategy aimed to decrease exposure and clinical manifestations among sensitized patients.

Palavras-chave : látex; alergia; hule natural; guantes quirúrgicos; alergia al látex; alergia ocupacional; hule natural.