Natural rubber latex allergy: causes, symptoms, and modern diagnostic methods.

INTRODUCTION: Natural latex allergy poses significant risks in medicine due to widespread use of the material and potential for severe reactions. AIM: To examine latex allergy causes, clinical manifestations, and contemporary diagnostic approaches through systematic literature review. METHODS: Systematic analysis of 67 publications published between 2019 and 2024, conducted from August to December 2024, using multiple databases, defined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and comparative content analysis. RESULTS: Fresh latex comprises 60% water, 35% polyisoprene, and 5% proteins/lipids, with Hev b proteins being highly sensitising. Medical personnel demonstrate 5-17% allergy prevalence; industrial workers show up to 12% sensitisation. Key risk factors include atopy, tropical fruit cross-reactivity, and multiple childhood surgeries. Skin tests, specific IgE detection, and provocation tests demonstrate high diagnostic efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Unified allergenicity assessment standards and enhanced regulatory control are essential. Transitioning to synthetic alternatives and improving early diagnostic protocols can reduce complications and enhance safety.