Abstract

How, M. J., and Cambridge, G. W. (1971).Brit. J. industr. Med.,28, 303-307. Prick-tests and serological tests in the diagnosis of allergic reactivity to enzymes used in washing products. Standardized prick-test antigens for use in the detection of allergic reactivity to enzymes (Alcalase and Maxatase) used in washing products have been prepared. These materials contained all the potentially allergenic components of the crude enzyme preparations. Tests showed that these materials were more appropriate, as prick-test antigens, than the crystalline enzyme. The presence of reagin-mediated, immediate-type allergy in factory workers was confirmed by prick-tests and passive transfer tests. Sera from these subjects and controls contained enzyme-specific haemagglutinating antibody and gave precipitin-like reactions with solutions of Alcalase and Maxatase. The latter reaction involved serum components electrophoretically similar to, or identical with, α-globulins.