ANAPHYLAXIS DUE TO LATEX ALLERGY

An anaphylactic reaction to latex is reported in two patients. One occurred intraoperatively with exposure to the surgeon's latex gloves and the other during vaginal contact with a latex condom. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and scratch test with latex material identified the allergen. With the increasing use of latex gloves and condoms, one should be aware of the possibility of a severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction to latex products. Latex allergy should be considered when evaluating intraoperative and idiopathic anaphylaxis.