IgE--antibodies and skin test reactions to a detergent--enzyme in Swedish consumers.

Abstract

SummaryThe frequency of raised levels of IgE antibodies against a detergent enzyme—subtilisin‐A—was investigated in adult Swedish consumers. Of 1132 patient sera which were sent to the laboratory for routine RAST testing against various allergens a positive RAST to subtilisin was found in twenty‐one (1.9%). Of 391 blood donors two had a positive RAST and one a doubtfully positive reaction. A positive prick test to subtilisin was obtained in four out of 122 patients with symptoms of allergic airways disease. Sensitization occured more often among patients with an atopic constitution. About four out of five of the patients in whom IgE antibodies to the enzyme was found were women. Thirty‐five patients (seventeen with a positive and eighteen with a negative RAST to subtilisin) were further investigated in order to see if results of RAST and skin test with subtilisin were correlated with clinical symptoms. Eight patients with positive RAST and skin test reported symptoms of an immediate allergic type in connection with exposure to enzyme detergents. Three patients had symptoms which could be attributed to residues of subtilisin in the laundry after washing. In six patients the sensitization did not seem to have any clinical significance. Taking into account the general use of enzyme detergents, sensitization has not been found to be a major clinical problem.