Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice
07:49

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice

Published on: October 14, 2014

Anaphylaxis to povidone in a child

C Pedrosa1, H Costa, G Oliveira

  • 1Paediatric Allergy Unit, Gaia Hospital, Gaia, Portugal. claudiampedrosa@yahoo.com

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|June 10, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Povidone, an ingredient in many products, caused anaphylaxis in a child. This case highlights povidone (PVP) as a potential allergen, even in children previously tolerating related substances.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Povidone (PVP) is a common excipient in pharmaceuticals and topical antiseptics.
  • Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
  • Identifying novel allergens is crucial for patient safety and clinical management.

Observation:

  • A 9-year-old male experienced two episodes of anaphylaxis.
  • Reactions occurred shortly after oral Fluvermal (flubendazole) and topical Betadine (povidone-iodine).
  • Previous exposure to similar agents did not elicit adverse reactions.

Findings:

  • Allergy workup revealed eosinophilia, elevated total IgE, and positive prick-by-prick tests for both Fluvermal and Betadine.
  • A specific positive prick-by-prick test to povidone confirmed it as the common allergen.
  • This represents a potential first documented case of povidone-induced anaphylaxis in a child.

Implications:

  • Povidone should be considered a potential allergen in pediatric anaphylaxis cases.
  • Clinicians should be aware of povidone as a hidden allergen in various formulations.
  • Further investigation into povidone allergy prevalence and cross-reactivity is warranted.

More Related Videos

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies10:31

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies

Published on: October 25, 2018

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis07:22

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Published on: May 31, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis01:30

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions01:30

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
Allergic Drug Reactions01:27

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions01:29

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions01:01

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...