Occupational Allergies in Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Group of French Dentists

Background: Dentists have a high risk of developing occupational allergies due to their repeated exposure to many professional allergens. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess occupation-related allergies in a group of French dentists and to determine the main associated risk factors. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire about allergies, particularly occupational allergies, was published online in a private group dedicated to French dentists. Results: Data from 584 French dentists were collected; 50.3% of the respondents presented allergies and 13.4% presented occupation-related allergies. Regarding professional allergens, natural rubber latex, cleaning products, and resins were the most frequently incriminated substances. Temporary interruption of activity was reported by 10.3% of individuals suffering from occupational allergies. Almost 65% of them used different reliever medications for the management of acute exacerbations, but maintenance treatment was implemented in only 34.6% of cases. Having a general allergy was the first predictor of occupational allergies with an odds ratio of 7.49. Conclusions: The frequency and the impact of occupational allergies were significant among our study population of French dentists, particularly in those with an associated allergic background. Education and prevention programs are key measures to minimize risk.

Pollen and Fungal Spores Evaluation in Relation to Occupants and Microclimate in Indoor Workplaces

Indoor air quality depends on many internal or external factors mutually interacting in a dynamic and complex system, which also includes indoor workplaces, where subjects are exposed to many pollutants, including biocontaminants such as pollen and fungal spores. In this context, the occupants interact actively with their environment through actions, modifying indoor environmental conditions to achieve their own thermal comfort. Actions such as opening/closing doors and windows and turning on/off air conditioning could have effects on workers’ health. The present study explored the contribution of human occupants to pollen and fungal spore levels in indoor workplaces, combining aerobiological, microclimate, and worker monitoring during summer and winter campaigns. We evaluated the overall time spent by the workers in the office, the workers’ actions regarding non-working days and working days, and non-working hours and working hours, during two campaigns of pollen and fungal spore monitoring. Our results showed that the biocontaminant values depend on many mutually interacting factors; hence, the role of all of the factors involved should be investigated. In this regard, aerobiological monitoring should be a valid tool for the management of occupational allergies, providing additional information to improve occupational health protection strategies.

Hexamerin-2 Protein as a Novel Allergen in Occupational Locust Allergy

Background: Locusts as model systems are widely used in many biological laboratories worldwide. Occupational exposure to locusts induces a high prevalence of allergic sensitization. However, knowledge on occupational locust allergens remains unclear. This study aimed to identify a novel allergen from locusts that causes occupational allergies. Methods: We conducted a 20-year retrospective survey of 94 persons using questionnaires and a cross-sectional survey of 57 persons using questionnaires and immunological tests for occupational allergies in long-term locust laboratories. We identified the major allergens by immunoblotting and analysed them by LC-MS/MS. The allergenicity of the major allergen proteins was assessed by specific IgE (sIgE) detection, immunoblotting and ELISA inhibition assays. Results: The retrospective survey indicated that the frequency of occupational allergies was relatively low (13.8%), while the cross-sectional survey showed a higher frequency (40.4%). The symptoms in most allergic males were allergic rhinitis and asthma, while females showed higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis. Occupational exposure for 2-3 h per day or continuing one and half years obviously increased the allergy risk. We identified the hexamerin-2 protein as a major allergen in locusts. Purified hexamerin-2 protein achieved approximately 60% serum IgE reactivity with locust protein extract. The potential for cross-reactivity with cockroaches was indicated by sequence alignment of the hexamerin-2 protein and allergens of cockroaches. Conclusion: Occupational exposure is an important risk factor for locust allergy. The hexamerin-2 protein of locusts as a major allergen in occupational allergy was identified for the first time.

Occupational morbidity in the Samara Region and its dynamics in the context of the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19

The indicators of occupational morbidity in the Samara Region and its dynamics in the context of the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 are presented. In 2020, out of 127 acute and chronic occupational diseases diagnosed in 11 months, 22.05 % (28 cases) were diagnosed with professional sensorineural hearing loss, 5.51 % (7 cases) with dust lung diseases, 5.51 % (7 cases) — atrophic rhinopharyngolaryngitis, in 3.94 % (5 cases) — occupational allergies in the form of occupational bronchial asthma and eczema, in 3.94 % (5 cases) — vibration disease, in 1.57 % (2 cases) — chronic occupational radiculopathy, in 0.79 % (1 case) — oncological occupational pathology (dermatosarcoma of the hand), in 3.14 % (4 cases) — occupational infectious diseases (except for COVID-19).

Allergic Contact Dermatitis due to Methacrylates in a Dental Technician – a Clinical Case

Introduction: Methacrylate-based materials are used daily in dental practice. Specialized publications report these materials as allergens with a high sensitizing potential. Aim: To draw the attention of dental doctors and personnel to risk factors of developing occupational allergies. Materials and methods: History and dermatological status of the patient were taken and he was given an epicutaneous test. Results: The allergy testing revealed a strong positive allergic reaction to methacrylates which persisted and was observed at 72 hours as well as on day 7. A diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis was made on the basis of the patient’s history, the clinical examination and the results of the epicutaneous test. Conclusion: The presented clinical case shows that early identification of the specific causative agents allows clinicians to take adequate measures and achieve results without having to use a medicine, and stop the progression of the occupational disease and the development of complications.