Human seminal plasma allergy--a rare cause of recurrent anaphylaxis.
Allergies to sperm are very uncommon. A 23-year old woman with atopic dermatitis complained of three attacks of angioedema, urticaria, wheezing and weakness. When questioned about factors causing exercise-induced anaphylaxis, the patient reported having had sexual intercourse with the same partner one hour before each event. When using condoms, no symptoms occurred. Human seminal plasma allergy was confirmed by positive skin testing with the partner's sperm. Specific IgE-antibodies against human seminal plasma were not found. The patient received an emergency kit for anaphylaxis.
Nist
Gabriele C
GC
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Center for Skin Diseases, Stuttgart Clinic, Germany. gnist@kbc-intern.de
von den Driesch
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035583:Rare Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012661:Semen / Q000276:immunology*; D014581:Urticaria / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*