Scientists

We use molecular biological and immunological techniques to identify and characterize latex allergens. Molecular biological techniques were used to clone and characterize the latex protein allergen, Hev b 7. We have demonstrated that it shares some homology at both the DNA and amino acid sequence level with a potato protein called patatin. Mapping of the antibody binding regions of the antigens (epitope mapping) has been carried out using the Western blotting technique. This information will help us determine which part(s) of the latex protein molecules are responsible for the allergic reaction.

In conjunction with the microbiology laboratory of Robert Packer Hospital, we use Pulsed Field Gel Eletrophoresis (PFGE) to type nosocomial infections. The infection control team in their epidemiological analysis uses this information along with that supplied by the clinical laboratory. PFGE is also being used for research purposes to map clones of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs).

Selected Publications
Beezhold DH, Reschke J, Allen J, Kostyal DA and Sussman G. Latex protein: A hidden food allergen. Allergy Asthma Proceedings 21:301-306, 2000.

Khera SY, Kostyal DA and Deshmukh N. A Comparison of Chlorhexidine and Povidone-Iodine Skin Preparations for Surgical Operations. Current Surgery 56:341-343, 1999.

Kostyal DA, Hickey VL, Noti JD, Sussman GL and Beezhold DH. Cloning and characterization of a latex allergen (Hev b 7): homology to patatin, a plant PLA_2. Clinical and Experimental Immunology 112:355-362, 1998.
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Beezhold DH, Kostyal DA and Sussman GL. IgE epitope analysis of the hevein preprotein; a major latex allergen. Clinical and Experimental Immunology 108:114-121, 1997.
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Beezhold DH, Swanson M, Zehr BD and Kostyal DA. Measurement of natural rubber proteins in latex glove extracts: comparison of methods. Annals Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology 76:520-526, 1996.
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Beezhold DH, Reschke J, Allen J, Kostyal DA and Sussman G. Latex protein: A hidden food allergen. Allergy Asthma Proceedings 21:301-306, 2000.
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Kostyal DA, Butler GH and Beezhold DH. Mycoplasma hyorhinis molecules that induce tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion by human monocytes. Infection and Immunity 63:3858-3863, 1995.
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Beezhold DH, Sussman G, Kostyal DA and Chang NS. Identification of a 46-kD latex protein allergen in health care workers. Clinical and Experimental Immunology 98:408-413, 1994.
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Kostyal DA, Butler GH and Beezhold DH. A 48 kilodalton Mycoplasma fermentans membrane protein induces cytokine secretion by human monocytes. Infection and Immunity 62:3793-3800, 1994.
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Beezhold DH, Kostyal DA and Wiseman J. The transfer of protein allergens from latex gloves. A study of influencing factors. Association Operating Room Nurses 59:605-613, 1994.

Kostyal DA, Beezhold DH and Hall RE. Differentiation-inducing cytokine P48 exists in a membrane-associated form. Journal of Immunology 147:893-898,1991.
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Research Personnel
Kelly Horton, Research Technician, (570) 882-4619, horton_kelly@guthrie.org