Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report

• Main Authors: Diana Tymoszuk (Author), Marta Wiszniewska (Author), Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 2016-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.13075/mp.5893.00317; 0465-5893; 2353-1339
• Keywords: asthma; occupational allergy; enzyme; rhinitis; papain; conjunctivitis; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Medycyna Pracy, Vol 67, Iss 1, Pp 109-112 (2016)

This report presents a case of occupational asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis to papain in a 50-year-old herbs and spices packer, with documented increased eosinophilia in induced sputum and in the nasal lavage fluids after a specific inhalation challenge test (SICT) and specific nasal challenge test (SNCT) with this enzyme. Immunoglobulin E-mediated (IgE) sensitization to papain was confirmed by positive results of a skin prick test with specific solution. Specific inhalation and nasal challenge tests demonstrated a direct and significant link between the exposure to this protease and the allergic response from the respiratory system. Additionally, the SNCT induced a severe reaction of the conjunctivae and a significant increase in the count of eosinophils in tears, despite the lack of direct contact of the allergen with the conjunctiva. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-112