Hypersensitivity Reactions and Specific Antibodies in Workers Exposed to Industrial Enzymes at a Biotechnology Plant
✍ Scribed by Raymond E. Biagini; Richard J. Driscoll; David I. Bernstein; Thomas G. Wilcox; Gerry M. Henningsen; Barbara A. MacKenzie; Gregory A. Burr; John D. Scinto; Eric S. Baumgardner
- Book ID
- 102659266
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1996
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 719 KB
- Volume
- 16
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0260-437X
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✦ Synopsis
Thirty-six employees who produced industrial enzymes from selected strains of bacteria and fungi were evaluated by epicutaneous threshold testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for specific IgE and IgG antibodies. The workers complained of 'asthma-and flu-like' symptoms, which generally lessened away from work. The enzymes evaluated were: a-amylase ( 1,4-a-d-glucan glucanohydrolase) from Bacillus licheniformis (aABZ), B. subtilis formation 1 (aA1Bs) and B. subtilis formation 2 (aA2Bs); purified a-amylase from B. licheniformis (CaABZ) and A. oryzae (CaAAo); alkaline protease from B. licheniformis (APBZ) and purified alkaline protease (CAPBZ); amyloglucosidase (1,4-c~-~-glucan glucohydrolase) from A. niger (AGAn) and purified amyloglucosidase (CAGAn). Statistically significant increases (P > 0.05) in the proportion of workers having positive skin tests to CAPBI, AGAn and CAGAn were found. Significantly elevated (P > 0.05) mean specific IgE results were observed for CaAAo CAGAn and AGAn, and elevated (P > 0.05) mean specific IgGs were observed for CaAAo, CAGAn, AGAn, aAlBs, aABl and aA2Bs. These results indicate that occupational exposure to some industrial enzymes can cause immediate-onset cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions, pulmonary function deficits and significantly elevated specific antibody levels. Our results are equivocal as to whether workrelated respiratory and cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are antibody mediated, as there was no statistically significant association between these reactions and specific IgE or IgG levels.
* Mention of a product or company name does not constitute endorsement by the National lnsitute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).