[Occupational penicillin allergy as an example of chronic recurring anaphylaxis]

A case of anaphylactic shock which appeared in a nurse working at surgery room for many years, was described. The nurse was examined due to the anaphylactic attack at work (paroxysmal, idiopathic anaphylaxis). Among many factors the first of all occupational ones (exposure to disinfectants, latex and penicillin) were taken into consideration. Two minutes after the intradermal application of 2 units of crystalline penicillin the symptoms of anaphylaxis (including the shock) occurred. The problems of penicillin allergy in the aspect of skin tests, which make use of this antibiotic, were also described in the paper.