Immediate-type hypersensitivity to a bean lectin source with commentary on occupational allergy in allergy-immunology laboratory and research workers.

A case of acute, severe allergic conjunctivitis is reported in a biochemist who had been grinding Bandeiraea simplicifolia, the source of an anti-B lectin. A crude extract of these beans produced immediate-type skin test reactivity, and reaginic antibodies were demonstrated in her serum. Several other examples of occupationally induced allergy in laboratory and research workers in the field of allergy-immunology are briefly cited. Exposure to potential allergens in a dry, powdered form seems particularly hazardous.