Ethanol metabolite acetic acid as causative agent for type-1 hypersensitivity-like reactions to alcoholic beverages.
BACKGROUND
Adverse reactions to alcoholic beverages are common and more frequently mediated by immunological mechanisms than previously thought.


OBJECTIVE
To elucidate relevant allergens in this context we studied patients with an informative medical history.


METHODS
This report describes a comprehensive allergological approach in a patient exhibiting type-I hypersensitivity-like reactions towards beverages and medication containing alcohol, and salad dressings with acetic acid.


RESULTS
The ethanol metabolite acetic acid was found to yield positive prick test results in concentrations not eliciting reactions in healthy and atopic controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Among other ethanol metabolites, acetic acid is a potential allergen in the context of hypersensitivity towards alcoholic beverages.
Department of Dermatology, University of Ulm, Germany.
W H
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Boehncke
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Gall
D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D000799:Angioedema / Q000209:etiology; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000209:etiology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000209:etiology*; D012882:Skin Tests; D014581:Urticaria / Q000209:etiology
D000485:Allergens; D000431:Ethanol; D019342:Acetic Acid