Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex comprise both delayed and immediate (IgE-mediated) hypersensitivites, producing clinical symptoms ranging from contact uticaria and bronchial asthma to anaphylactic shock. Natural rubber prepared from the milky say (latex) of the tree Hevea brasiliensis is a common component of numerous home products and medical supplies, including surgical gloves and catheters. While delayed hypersensitivity reactions to latex-containing products are often traced to additives and stabilizers employed for their production, immediate reactions are closely associated with endogenous protein components of the natural rubber latex materials.

Recently, coincient IgE-mediated allergies to latex and multiple fruits or vegetables have been documented. In vivo and in vitro investigations of clinical specificity have produced complex patterns of allergenic cross-reactivity (suggesting shared or common antigenic components) among botanically-unrelated allergens such as latex and foods. While the details of the clinical association of latex and food allergies await further study, documentation of food allergies known to coexist with latex sensitivities may be useful for identifying the risks of latex exposure for some patients.

Listed below are the allergens reported to be associated (clinically or immunochemically) with natural rubber latex.

Simultaneous occurrence of allergies to certain poollens and foods described above have also been documented in reports independent of those focusing on natural rubber latex. Significant levels of allergenic cross-reactivity have been demonstrated for the allergen groups listed below:

• Mugwort with Carrot, Celery, Apple, Peanut and Kiwi
• Birch with Apple, Pear, Peach, Cherry and Hazelnut
• Grasses with Potato
• Ragweed with Banana and Melons