Delayed hypersensitivity to beta-lactams.

Full Abstract

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.

Author information

Author/s: López Serrano, C (C); Villas, F (F); Cabañas, R (R); Contreras, J (J);

Affiliation: Allergy Unit, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of investigational allergology & clinical immunology : official organ of the International Association of Asthmology (INTERASMA) and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Alergia e Inmunología (J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol), published in SPAIN. (Language: eng)

Reference: -1994 Nov-Dec; vol 4 (issue 6) : pp 315-9

Dates: Created 1995/06/07; Completed 1995/06/07; Revised 2004/11/18;

PMID: 7735520, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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