Failure of enzyme encapsulation to prevent sensitization of workers in the dry bleach industry

doi:10.1016/0091-6749(84)90407-X

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Volume 73, Issue 3, March 1984, Pages 348-355

https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-6749(84)90407-X Get rights and content

Abstract

BDE added to dry bleach have been associated with immunologic sensitization and development of clinical allergic disease in detergent workers and occasionally in consumers. However, improved dust control and modification of the manufacturing process through encapsulation of enzyme were believed to have reduced or eliminated these problems. To determine whether or not immunologic sensitization could still develop in the detergent industry, we studied employees of a dry bleach manufacturing plant that incorporated encapsulated BDE into a consumer product. We performed air sampling for enzyme dust and total particulates, administered questionnaires, conducted physical examinations, and spirometry in 13 currently exposed, two previously exposed and nine nonexposed, employees. To assess sensitization status, RAST and ELISA were performed. Air concentrations of enzyme dust ranged from 0.002 to 1.57 μ/m³; all of these levels were below the TLV of 3.9 μ/³. Positive BDE—specific RAST results (3.4%, 4.4%, and 8.0% binding) were obtained in three of 12 currently exposed workers. Results of personal breathing—zone air sampling indicated that these workers had high dust-exposure levels. Specificity of RAST was verified by RAST inhibition with BDE. BDE-RAST binding was not significantly elevated in the nonworkers (range: 0.6% to 1.4% binding). Positive results for specific IgG by ELISA were obtained in four of 12 currently exposed and in one of two previously exposed workers but in none of the nonexposed workers. We conclude that immunologic sensitization can develop after occupational exposure to encapsulated BDE in the dry bleach industry. We have not proved, however, that this immunologic reactivity is related to clinical sensitivity.

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Penicillium enzymes for the textile industry
2017, New and Future Developments in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Penicillium System Properties and Applications
Textile and apparel industries are one of the fastest-growing industries, providing employment to millions. These manufacturing units rely on the use of toxic chemicals for processing of textiles, which leads to increased environmental pollution and public concern. This has driven textile manufacturers to adopt environment friendly enzyme-basedtreatment processes with fungi as the biggest microbial source of these enzymes. Among fungi, the genus Penicillium is known for the production of a number of commercial enzymes such as, amylases, cellulases, proteases, pectinases, and lipases. The enzyme systems of Penicillium sp. have been successfully applied in various stages of textile wet processing like, desizing and scouring, denim finishing, textile bleaching, and biopolishing. Molds of this genus are also potential candidates for bioremediation of polluted water and soil sources. There is still considerable potential for development of new and improved enzyme applications in future textile processing.
HLA-DQ8 is a predisposing molecule for detergent enzyme subtilisin BPN′-induced hypersensitivity
2005, Clinical Immunology
Several million individuals are exposed to agents in the workplace associated with atopy and asthma. Detergent enzymes have been implicated in occupationally induced hypersensitivity. However, the genetic susceptibility and T cell responses to detergent enzymes are undefined. We generated and used HLA-DQ6, -DQ8, -DR2, -DR3, and -DR4 transgenic mice to examine the immune and inflammatory components involved in the response to the detergent enzyme subtilisin BPN′. Based on in vitro and in vivo studies, for the first time, we present evidence that DQ8 is a strong susceptibility marker for BPN′-induced hypersensitivity. Only DQ8 mice showed consistent T cell responses to five immunodominant regions of BPN′ comprising peptides #14 to 16, 36–37, 42–43, 62–63, and 80–81. The DQ8 mice also developed allergic eosinophilic inflammatory reactions in the airways following intranasal instillations of this enzyme. The DQ8 mice also responded to BPN′ with a significant IgG1 and IgE production. We propose that the HLA Class II tg mice are useful for understanding allergenic responses to enzymes in humans, screening of allergenic and immunogenic properties of detergent enzymes, and for the development of modified enzymes to maintain efficient detergent qualities without allergic properties.
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis from a proteolytic enzyme
2001, Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Subtilisins are proteolytic enzymes of bacterial origin found in detergents. They are high-molecular-weight antigens and have been implicated in allergic rhinitis and asthma.
This report describes a case of extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to subtilisins in a liquid cleaner.
Clinical, radiologic, and serologic information were used to make the diagnosis.
A 53-year-old woman developed respiratory symptoms while working with a cleaner containing subtilisins. Her symptoms intensified in the work environment and improved away from work. A computed tomography scan demonstrated alveolar and interstitial infiltrates with subsequent scarring. A pulmonary function study revealed a restrictive pattern with diminished diffusion capacity. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed lymphocytosis and all cultures were negative. Precipitating antibodies to the enzyme were found in the patient's serum. Her symptoms improved once she changed her occupation.
The combination of the patient's clinical history, physical, laboratory, and radiologic findings support the diagnosis of extrinsic allergic alveolitis from the enzyme contained in the cleaner.
Can medical surveillance measures improve the outcome of occupational asthma?
2001, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
A guide to the diagnosis and treatment of occupational asthma
2001, Mayo Clinic Proceedings
Citation Excerpt :
Modification of engineering controls (such as improving ventilation or changing the manufacturing process) is costly, time-consuming, and only occasionally effective. However, in certain cases, early removal from exposure and accommodation of work restrictions by the employer have increased the likelihood of recovery and allowed the individual to remain symptom-free in the workplace of choice.55–57 Besides removal from the inciting agent(s), patients with occupational asthma require medical treatment similar to that for other forms of asthma.58
Occupational asthma is the most prevalent form of occupational lung disease in industrialized nations. As increasing numbers of new chemicals are produced and new manufacturing processes are introduced, the variety of environments in which individuals may become exposed to respiratory sensitizers and irritants makes diagnosing and treating this illness even more challenging. In addition to adverse pulmonary effects, the diagnosis of occupational asthma may bring with it negative social and financial implications that may ultimately affect the patient's quality of life. For this reason, it is important for clinicians to recognize work-related respiratory symptoms early on in their course, maintain a high clinical suspicion for an occupational cause in the diagnostic work-up of asthma, and have a high degree of certainty in the diagnosis. While a number of classification schemes have been proposed to simplify the diagnostic approach to occupational asthma, the inciting factors typically involve sensitization (often by an IgE mechanism), direct airway inflammation, various pharmacologic responses, or irritant reflex pathways. Clinicians must first document the presence of asthma, then establish a relationship between asthma and the workplace. The occupational history is the key diagnostic tool, and clinical suspicions may be evaluated further by serial peak expiratory flow measurements, nonspecific hypersensitivity challenges with histamine or methacholine, collaboration with industrial/occupational hygienists to obtain workplace exposure measurements, and specific challenge testing at tertiary referral centers providing specialized laboratories. Removal from the inciting exposure is the mainstay of therapy, and pharmacologic treatment of patients with occupational asthma is similar to the treatment of patients with other forms of asthma.
A cross-sectional survey of sensitization to Aspergillus oryzae-derived lactase in pharmaceutical workers
1999, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Background: The presence of IgE-mediated occupational respiratory sensitization to microbial enzymes has been well documented in a variety of industries. Aspergillus oryzae –derived lactase is used as a dietary aid for patients with lactose intolerance. Objective: In 1993, a cross-sectional survey of 94 pharmaceutical workers exposed to lactase for a mean duration of 23 months and 24 nonexposed recently hired employees was initiated to identify lactase-sensitized workers and potential risk factors that could be used in making recommendations for preventing future cases of lactase sensitization. Methods: The survey included a physician-administered questionnaire, skin prick testing to lactase enzyme and a panel of common aeroallergens, and spirometry. Results: Twenty-seven of 94 lactase-exposed workers (29%) had positive skin test responses to lactase. These workers were 9 times more likely to have upper or lower respiratory symptoms compared with workers with negative skin test responses. Atopic workers were 4 times more likely to have lactase skin sensitivity than nonatopic workers. However, atopy was not a risk factor for the development of upper and/or lower respiratory symptoms. Lactase skin reactivity was not observed in the 24 nonexposed employees. Conclusion: This cross-sectional survey revealed that atopic workers were more likely to have lactase sensitization and that lactase-sensitized workers were more likely to have upper and/or lower respiratory symptoms, but atopy was not a risk factor for upper or lower respiratory symptoms. In spite of these findings, the company allowed only nonatopic, nonlactase-sensitized workers to continue working in high lactase-exposure areas with careful symptom monitoring and use of protective clothing. Although this strategy was successful in total prevention of new cases of occupational respiratory disease after 5 years, the results of this cross-sectional survey do not support exclusion of atopic workers from working with industrial enzymes. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:1153-7.)

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Abstract

References (20)

Pulmonary disease due to inhalation of derivatives of Bacillus subtilis containing proteolytic enzymes

Lancet

Allergic reactions of the lungs to enzymes of Bacillus subtilis

Lancet

An epidemiological study of workers producing enzyme washing powders

Lancet

Clinical, immunologic and physiologic observations in factory workers exposed to B. subtilis enzyme dust

J Allergy

In vitro cross-allergenicity of major aeroallergenic pollens by the radioallergosorbent technique

J Allergy Clin Immunol

Clinical and immunologic evaluation of trimellitic anhydride- and phthalic anhydride-exposed workers using a questionnaire with comparative analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent and radioimmunoassay studies

J Allergy Clin Immunol

A study of workers exposed to detergent enzymes

JAMA

Followup observations of workers exposed to enzyme detergents

Ann NY Acad Sci

Clinical and immunologic response to enzymes of Bacillus subtilis in factory workers and consumers

Clin Allergy

Enzyme allergy in populations exposed to longterm, low-level concentrations of household laundry products

J Allergy

Cited by (36)

Penicillium enzymes for the textile industry

HLA-DQ8 is a predisposing molecule for detergent enzyme subtilisin BPN′-induced hypersensitivity

Extrinsic allergic alveolitis from a proteolytic enzyme

Can medical surveillance measures improve the outcome of occupational asthma?

A guide to the diagnosis and treatment of occupational asthma

A cross-sectional survey of sensitization to Aspergillus oryzae-derived lactase in pharmaceutical workers