Delayed hypersensitivity to beta-lactams.
We present nine patients with delayed allergic reactions to beta-lactams. Four of them developed reactions to ampicillin; the diagnostic studies suggested the involvement of a type IV hypersensitivity mechanism to an antigenic determinant in the side-chain structure, with intradermal and patch tests positive to ampicillin but good tolerance to benzylpenicillin. Three patients showed delayed hypersensitivity reactions to benzylpenicillin (positive delayed skin tests and/or challenges). Arthus-type reactions were seen in two other patients. Specific IgE of uncertain relationship to benzylpenicillin and ampicillin was later detected in four cases.
López Serrano
C
C
Allergy Unit, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.
Villas
F
F
Cabañas
R
R
Contreras
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001183:Arthus Reaction; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D047090:beta-Lactams
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D047090:beta-Lactams; D007073:Immunoglobulin E