Reactions to thimerosal in hepatitis B vaccines.
Hypersensitivity to thimerosal in vaccines has been reported to induce persistent local reactions, urticarial and generalized exanthematic eruptions, and, in the case of the hepatitis B vaccine, urticaria with asthma. The authors describe two cases of extensive reactions, one in a patient who did not form antibodies to the principal vaccine antigen. Although not all thimerosal-sensitive patients develop adverse reactions to vaccines containing this material, there is a potential risk, and the reactions can be very long lasting.
Rietschel
R L
RL
Department of Dermatology, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Adams
R M
RM
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005035:Ethylmercury Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000379:methods; D013849:Thimerosal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology
D005035:Ethylmercury Compounds; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines; D013849:Thimerosal