Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-08-25eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX02639E
Thilo Jakob, Timo Buhl, Jörg Fischer
{"title":"In vitro diagnostics in hymenoptera venom allergy: Current concepts and perspectives.","authors":"Thilo Jakob, Timo Buhl, Jörg Fischer","doi":"10.5414/ALX02639E","DOIUrl":"10.5414/ALX02639E","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) is a leading cause of anaphylaxis in adults and requires precise diagnostic work-up to guide venom immunotherapy (VIT). However, the high prevalence of asymptomatic sensitization and frequent double sensitization complicate the identification of clinically relevant allergens.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This narrative review summarizes current concepts and recent advances in in vitro diagnostics of HVA, including conventional IgE testing, component-resolved diagnostics (CRD), IgE ratio analysis, and cellular assays and biomarkers for risk stratification. Emphasis is placed on their diagnostic performance, limitations, and clinical applicability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Measurement of venom-specific IgE remains the cornerstone of HVA diagnosis, offering high sensitivity for clinically relevant HVA. CRD using recombinant, CCD-free allergens improves discrimination between primary sensitization and cross-reactivity, particularly in patients with double sensitization to honeybee and yellow jacket venoms. However, incomplete allergen panels, especially in honeybee venom allergy, limit sensitivity. IgE ratio analysis has emerged as a complementary tool to identify the most likely culprit venom, although it may be influenced by recent sting exposure. Cellular assays such as the basophil activation test provide functional information and may support diagnosis in complex cases but are restricted to specialized centers. In addition, biomarkers such as basal serum tryptase and KIT p.D816V mutation are important for risk stratification.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Modern in vitro diagnostics substantially enhance the precision of HVA diagnosis but cannot replace clinical history. An integrated approach combining serology, molecular diagnostics, ratio analysis and, where appropriate, functional assays, is essential for accurate identification of the relevant venom and optimal patient management.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"197-208"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13519932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148842679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-08-18eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX400691
Alice Botta, Lea Caron, Matteo Cavara, Alessandra Chiei Gallo, Eleonora Bono, Christian P Ratti, Sara Pasqualetti, Enrico Iemoli, Valeria Ortolani
{"title":"Anaphylaxis to duck and goose eggs with preserved tolerance to hen's eggs: A case report.","authors":"Alice Botta, Lea Caron, Matteo Cavara, Alessandra Chiei Gallo, Eleonora Bono, Christian P Ratti, Sara Pasqualetti, Enrico Iemoli, Valeria Ortolani","doi":"10.5414/ALX400691","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5414/ALX400691","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Selective allergy to eggs from specific avian species, while maintaining tolerance to hen's eggs, is rare and may present diagnostic challenges.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>We report the case of a 75-year-old woman with no history of atopic disease who experienced episodes of anaphylaxis after consuming duck and goose eggs, while tolerating hen's eggs. Skin prick tests with commercial hen's egg extracts were negative. Serum testing revealed very low total IgE levels (5 kU/L) and low specific IgE to ovomucoid (Gal d 1), with negative results for other egg proteins. Prick-to-prick testing showed positive reactions to raw duck and goose egg white, whereas results were negative for cooked duck and goose eggs and for both raw and cooked hen's and quail eggs. An oral food challenge confirmed tolerance to hen's eggs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case highlights a rare presentation of selective allergy to eggs from the Anseriformes order with preserved tolerance to hen's eggs. Comprehensive allergy evaluation - including skin testing, specific IgE measurement, and oral food challenges - may be essential to identify selective sensitizations and to provide appropriate dietary recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"192-196"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13492038/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148804352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-07-24eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX02607E
Eva-Maria Rick, Melanie Plum, Marua Abu Risha, Uta Jappe
{"title":"Allergens from plant-based food allergen sources and their clinical and diagnostic relevance.","authors":"Eva-Maria Rick, Melanie Plum, Marua Abu Risha, Uta Jappe","doi":"10.5414/ALX02607E","DOIUrl":"10.5414/ALX02607E","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lately, a rise of plant-related food allergies could be observed following the increase of plant-based food consumption. This narrative review provides an overview of important plant allergens from the most common allergen sources including the \"Big 9\", and those gaining more clinical significance such as legumes (other than peanuts) or fruits. Both commercially available and unavailable allergens for in vitro (i.e., specific IgE) and ex vivo (e.g., basophil activation test) diagnostics described in the literature to date are included in this work. In addition, gaps in the commercially available test panels (e.g., oleosins) as well as a lack of knowledge about the clinical relevance of some allergens are highlighted using the latest publications. Furthermore, practical applications are provided in exemplary case reports. In conclusion, molecular allergology provides important tools to advance precision diagnostics of allergic diseases and consequently, patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"170-191"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13416921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148623601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-07-20eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX02636E
Alexandra Lenoir, Roland Buhl, Carlo Muemmler, Jürgen Behr, Rainer Ehmann, Eckard Hamelmann, Anette Holtdirk, Marco Idzko, Margret Jandl, Frank Kaessner, Olaf Schmidt, Christian Schulz, Dirk Skowasch, Hendrik Suhling, Christian Taube, Stephanie Korn, Katrin Milger
{"title":"Choosing and switching biologics for patients with severe asthma: Real-world data from the German Asthma Net (GAN).","authors":"Alexandra Lenoir, Roland Buhl, Carlo Muemmler, Jürgen Behr, Rainer Ehmann, Eckard Hamelmann, Anette Holtdirk, Marco Idzko, Margret Jandl, Frank Kaessner, Olaf Schmidt, Christian Schulz, Dirk Skowasch, Hendrik Suhling, Christian Taube, Stephanie Korn, Katrin Milger","doi":"10.5414/ALX02636E","DOIUrl":"10.5414/ALX02636E","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With six biologics available to treat severe asthma in 2025, choosing the optimal initial therapy and deciding to which other biologic to switch in case of insufficient benefit is challenging. To better understand patients' characteristics depending on the chosen biologic and patterns of switch, we evaluated adult patients with severe asthma from the GAN registry who were biologic-naïve at baseline. Between 2011 and 2024, 2,649 patients with severe asthma newly received a biologic, 26% anti-interleukin-5 receptor (IL5R), 25% anti-IL5, 16% anti-IL4R, 24% anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE), and 9% anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Distribution of biologics varied between time periods, reflecting their availability over time. Patients treated with anti-IgE were youngest at asthma diagnosis (mean 26 years) and had the highest rates of allergic comorbidities (80%). Blood eosinophils were highest in patients receiving anti-IL5R (median 433/µL) and lowest in those receiving anti-TSLP (median 159/µL), while FeNO was highest in patients treated with anti-IL5, anti-IL5R, or anti-IL4R (median 39, 38, and 35 ppb, respectively). 14.3% (n = 378) of patients were switched from the first biologic to a different one. The most frequent switch constellations were anti-IL5 to anti-IL5R, anti-IL5R to anti-IL4R, and anti-IL5 to anti-IL4R. After a switch, depending on the constellation up to 46% of patients reached remission. Phenotyping patients with severe asthma determines the choice of biologic therapy in real-world practice. Choice and switch of biologic have evolved over time influenced by availability of different drugs. Our analysis supports the practice of switching to a different biologic in case of insufficient initial response.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"158-169"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13409342/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148623574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-07-01eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX02616E
Regina Treudler
{"title":"In vitro IgE diagnostics in inhalant allergy: Plant and mold allergens.","authors":"Regina Treudler","doi":"10.5414/ALX02616E","DOIUrl":"10.5414/ALX02616E","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Respiratory allergies represent one of the most prevalent immune-mediated disorders worldwide, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. The advent of in vitro diagnostic methods, particularly those based on molecular allergology, has revolutionized the diagnostic approach to inhalant allergies by enabling precise identification of sensitizing allergens at the molecular level. This review presents an analysis of the current status of in vitro diagnostics in respiratory allergy to plants and molds, with emphasis on molecular diagnostics for key allergens from trees (e.g., birch/<i>Betula verrucosa</i>), grasses (Poaceae family), weeds (e.g.mugwort/<i>Artemisia vulgaris</i>, ragweed/<i>Ambrosia artemisiifolia</i>), and molds (e.g. <i>Alternaria, Aspergillus).</i> We discuss major allergenic proteins, diagnostic tools, implications for precision medicine, and integration with precision immunotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"151-157"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13340064/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148407657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-07-01eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX02637E
Silas Fugger, Alexander Kauffmann, Heinrich Dickel
{"title":"Contact allergy to a titanium port catheter: Diagnostic challenges and clinical resolution.","authors":"Silas Fugger, Alexander Kauffmann, Heinrich Dickel","doi":"10.5414/ALX02637E","DOIUrl":"10.5414/ALX02637E","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Titanium and its alloys are widely used in modern medical devices because of their favorable biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Allergic reactions to titanium-based implants are considered rare, and their diagnosis is hampered by the poor dermal penetration of metallic allergens.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>A 29-year-old female patient with seronegative myasthenia gravis requiring parenteral nutrition presented with persistent inflammatory dermatitis overlying a titanium port catheter (X-Port BARD Titan low-profile) 4 weeks after implantation in July 2023. Despite initial diagnostic uncertainty and sequential management modifications, her condition continued to deteriorate. Similar eruptions developed after re-implantation of the same titanium port model on the contralateral thorax. Rigorous patch testing incorporating standardized tape-stripping and extended reading intervals revealed positive sensitization to the titanium port body, while all other port components and an alternative plastic port system (BARD SlimPort M.R.I. Ultra Low-Profile) tested negative. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the titanium body composition as a Ti-Al6-V4 alloy. Substitution with the plastic port catheter in February 2025 resulted in complete symptom resolution, with sustained clinical remission through July 2025.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although very uncommon, contact sensitization to titanium medical devices can occur and may present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Rigorous patch testing methodology, incorporating standardized tape-stripping and extended 168-hour readings, appears essential for detecting delayed-type hypersensitivity to metallic implants. Clinical resolution following biocompatible device substitution supports an allergic etiology in this case.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"145-150"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343459/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148414253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-06-16eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX02631E
Charlotte J Kiani, Valentina Faihs, Claudia Kugler, Julia F Pilz, Tilo Biedermann, Knut Brockow
{"title":"Resolution of childhood wheat allergy through evolution into WALDA? A case report.","authors":"Charlotte J Kiani, Valentina Faihs, Claudia Kugler, Julia F Pilz, Tilo Biedermann, Knut Brockow","doi":"10.5414/ALX02631E","DOIUrl":"10.5414/ALX02631E","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Wheat allergy may present with different phenotypes. Childhood-onset wheat allergy is characterized by immediate-type IgE-mediated reactions to wheat ingestion alone. It typically affects atopic individuals and often resolves spontaneously. The predominant adult-onset phenotype is WALDA (wheat allergy dependent on augmentation factors), triggered only when wheat is consumed in combination with augmentation factors. Phenotypic transition between these forms is rarely described.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>We present the case of a 30-year-old atopic female patient with a history of wheat-induced anaphylaxis, who presented with three distinct stages, compatible with a phenotypic transition. In infancy, the patient was diagnosed with classical IgE-mediated wheat allergy. In early adulthood, she developed augmentation factor-dependent reactions compatible with WALDA. At the age of 30, comprehensive oral food challenge testing and serological analysis revealed full clinical tolerance and loss of sensitization.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case illustrates a possible transient clinical course of wheat allergy with WALDA as an intermediate stage prior to resolution. Such cases may be underreported, as patients with declining wheat allergy may not be identified as having WALDA reactions, but rather as having inconstant reactivity. Allergy reassessment in adult patients with food allergy in childhood is essential to detect phenotypic shifts or to confirm resolution.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"114-119"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13276968/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148298319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-06-15eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX02638E
Thomas Werfel, Annice Heratizadeh, Matthias Augustin, Christine Bangert, Andrea Bauer, Tilo Biedermann, Richard Brans, Nadine Domröse, Uwe Gieler, Oliver Gießler-Fichtner, Eckard Hamelmann, Selina Hampe, Ruben Heuer, Julia Kahle, Maria Kinberger, Markus Koch, Meike Köhler, Franz Legat, Katja Nemat, Irena Neustädter, Eva M J Peters, Susanne Radonjic-Hoesli, Imke Reese, Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, Uta-Katharina Schmidt-Göhrich, Jochen Schmitt, Christina Schnopp, Thomas Schwennesen, Dagmar Simon, Kristina Stamos, Christian Termeer, Regina Treudler, Ralph von Kiedrowski, Iris Wagner, Anja Waßmann-Otto, Gesine Weckmann, Ricardo Niklas Werner, Andreas Wollenberg, Margitta Worm, Hagen Ott
{"title":"Update of the evidence- and consensus-based S3 guideline on atopic dermatitis: Systemic therapy with biologics or Janus kinase inhibitors and specific aspects of systemic therapy in pregnancy and lactation.","authors":"Thomas Werfel, Annice Heratizadeh, Matthias Augustin, Christine Bangert, Andrea Bauer, Tilo Biedermann, Richard Brans, Nadine Domröse, Uwe Gieler, Oliver Gießler-Fichtner, Eckard Hamelmann, Selina Hampe, Ruben Heuer, Julia Kahle, Maria Kinberger, Markus Koch, Meike Köhler, Franz Legat, Katja Nemat, Irena Neustädter, Eva M J Peters, Susanne Radonjic-Hoesli, Imke Reese, Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, Uta-Katharina Schmidt-Göhrich, Jochen Schmitt, Christina Schnopp, Thomas Schwennesen, Dagmar Simon, Kristina Stamos, Christian Termeer, Regina Treudler, Ralph von Kiedrowski, Iris Wagner, Anja Waßmann-Otto, Gesine Weckmann, Ricardo Niklas Werner, Andreas Wollenberg, Margitta Worm, Hagen Ott","doi":"10.5414/ALX02638E","DOIUrl":"10.5414/ALX02638E","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This guideline is a partial update of the S3 guideline on atopic dermatitis (AWMF register no. 013-027) published in 2023. The chapters on systemic therapy with biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors as well as the chapter on pregnancy, breastfeeding and family planning in the context of systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis have been updated. This was prompted by new approvals (lebrikizumab, nemolizumab), approval extensions (abrocitinib from 12 years of age, baricitinib from 2 years of age) and new evidence on the use of biologics before and during pregnancy. In addition, a new chapter on treatment goals, treatment expectations and criteria for treatment adjustment (\"treat-to-target\") in systemic therapies has been added to the guideline. This article only presents the updated and newly added chapters. The complete guideline is available on the AWMF website.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"120-144"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13276969/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148298346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-06-03eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX02630E
Phila Cara Baumann, Lennart Matthias Roesner
{"title":"T-cell mechanisms in atopic dermatitis.","authors":"Phila Cara Baumann, Lennart Matthias Roesner","doi":"10.5414/ALX02630E","DOIUrl":"10.5414/ALX02630E","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review provides an overview of recent advances in understanding T-cell inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD), a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. After recognizing their cognate antigen in the acute phase of the disease, the homing of T cells from the circulation into the skin via cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA) is the prerequisite to skin inflammation and subsequent systemic and local, tissue resident, memory (TRM) formation. Initial observations suggest that antigen presentation occurs in structures such as induced skin-associated lymphoid tissue (iSALT), in addition to lymphatic organs. Aside from environmental antigens, such as aeroallergens, other antigen sources also appear to play a role: humoral and cellular responses to microbial antigens and autoantigens are discussed to drive and shape skin inflammation in AD. In-depth characterization of differentiated, activated Th2 cells in AD shows their ability to recognize different signals from epithelial cells directly. The heterogeneity of patients with antigen sensitizations and T-cell phenotypes is believed to influence therapeutic success. This suggests that a more precise characterization of patient subgroups would enable targeted, individualized therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"107-113"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248918/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148221461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allergologie selectPub Date : 2026-05-29eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5414/ALX02634E
Burkhard Kreft, Johannes Wohlrab, Cord Sunderkötter
{"title":"Cefazolin as an alternative in patients with a history of penicillin or β-lactam antibiotic allergy: A case overview.","authors":"Burkhard Kreft, Johannes Wohlrab, Cord Sunderkötter","doi":"10.5414/ALX02634E","DOIUrl":"10.5414/ALX02634E","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many patients with suspected or confirmed allergy to penicillin or β-lactam antibiotics are unnecessarily denied all β-lactam antibiotics (BLA) and instead given a less effective antibiotic with more side effects. However, cefazolin, a first-generation cephalosporin, is a safe and effective treatment option for these patients in most cases. Recent studies show that immunological cross-reactions among BLAs are primarily caused by structural similarities in the side chains and not by the common β-lactam ring. Cefazolin has unique R1 and R2 side chains that largely rule out cross-reactivity with other BLAs. In a case series, 21 patients with a history of alleged or confirmed allergy to BLAs were exposed to cefazolin under real-life conditions, and all but 1 patient (who developed an uncomplicated maculopapular rash) showed no reaction. Therefore, the use of cefazolin is acceptable under clinical supervision in cases of a previous uncomplicated delayed-type reaction. However, in cases of reported or documented clinical reactions to BLA that are indicative of a type I allergy (such as urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis), prior to (titrated) administration of cefazolin under appropriate monitoring measures, a diagnostic evaluation in accordance with guidelines, including a negative skin test for cefazolin, is advisable. This procedure avoids the use of less suitable reserve antibiotics and ensures effective treatment without incalculable risk for anaphylaxis.</p>","PeriodicalId":101298,"journal":{"name":"Allergologie select","volume":"10 ","pages":"101-106"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13227573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148159659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}