Delayed hypersensitivity to beta-lactams
López Serrano, C.; Villas, F.; Cabañas, R.; Contreras, J.
Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology 4(6): 315-319
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 1018-9068 PMID: 7735520 Document Number: 438935
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.