Reduced protein levels in latex gloves: key to lowering sensitization risks among health workers; a cross-sectional analytical study

Abstract Background Health workers frequently rely on latex gloves as personal protective equipment protects against biological hazards. However, the use of latex gloves has also given rise to a noteworthy occupational health concern—latex allergy. This issue is particularly associated with powdered, protein, and allergen levels in latex gloves. Recent advancements in latex glove manufacturing have led to reduced levels of extractable proteins, a known factor triggering allergic reactions. This study aimed to compare latex sensitization between nursing staff using low-protein and high-protein latex gloves at a tertiary university hospital in Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, categorizing participants into two groups based on glove exposure. 1) the low protein group consisted of participants who were only exposed to non-powdered latex gloves with extractable protein levels below 50 µg/g (< 9.9–36.7 µg/g), while 2) the high protein group comprised individuals who were exposed to powdered latex gloves with extractable protein levels above 50 µg/g (53.0–56.9 µg/g). The sample size comprised 163 individuals in the low protein group and 318 in the high protein group (1:2). Latex allergy symptoms and sensitization were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire and latex-specific IgE measurement (ImmunoCAP). Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, including odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results Demographic data was mostly similar in both exposure groups except for age. No significant differences in latex sensitization between the low and high protein groups were found via latex-specific IgE measurement (crude OR 1.90, 95% CI 0.5 to 7.18), potentially attributed to lower extractable protein levels in powdered latex gloves compared to previous studies. In contrast, the low protein group exhibited significantly fewer current latex allergy symptoms in both bivariate (crude OR 0.24; 95%CI 0.06 to 0.74) and multiple variable analysis (adjusted OR 0.18; 95%CI 0.04 to 0.86). Conclusions This study underscores the importance of using non-powdered and low-protein latex gloves to reduce latex allergy symptoms while emphasizing the need for further investigation into the relationship between extractable protein levels in addition to the attempt of the major allergen removal and latex sensitization amid evolving glove manufacturing practices.