Occupational egg allergy in an embryological research facility

Background Hen and quail eggs are commonly used in embryological research. While immunoglobin E (IgE)-associated allergy to hens ’ egg proteins is recognized in employees in the food industry, there are no previous reports from workers in embryological research. Two newly identified cases prompted us to examine the extent of this problem in a university laboratory. Aims To determine the prevalence and determinants of sensitization to egg among a group of workers in an embryological research laboratory. Methods Following the identification of egg sensitization in two research workers, we surveyed 116 employees from a single embryology research laboratory in 2005. Sensitization to egg was assessed by skin prick tests and/or specific IgE measurement and examined in relation to a number of potential determi-nants, including the extent of appropriate control measures. Results Four employees were sensitized to egg, each with digestive symptoms of egg allergy. All had worked directly with eggs, giving a prevalence of specific sensitization in that group of 6.1 % (95 % confi-dence interval (CI) [1.7%, 14.8%]). There was a statistically significant trend for those sensitized to report a shorter duration of exposure to eggs and less frequent use of hygiene control measures to reduce exposure