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A case of sexually induced episodic urticaria

Craig G Burkhart1, Craig N Burkhart

  • 1University of Toledo College of Medicine, Sylvania, Ohio 43560, USA. cgbakb@aol.com

The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|April 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A man developed hives (urticaria) after close contact with his girlfriend while she was taking ampicillin. This suggests exposure to the antibiotic through bodily fluids caused his allergic reaction.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Urticaria is a common allergic skin reaction.
  • Ampicillin is a widely used penicillin antibiotic.
  • Exposure routes for drug-induced urticaria are typically direct ingestion or contact.

Observation:

  • A 33-year-old male presented with recurrent urticaria.
  • The urticarial episodes consistently occurred after his girlfriend took ampicillin.
  • The source of ampicillin exposure was not obvious.

Findings:

  • The patient's urticaria was temporally linked to his girlfriend's ampicillin use.
  • A potential route of exposure was identified as ampicillin present in the sexual partner's body fluids.
  • This suggests indirect transmission of the allergen.

Implications:

  • This case highlights an unusual route of drug sensitization and allergic reaction.
  • Healthcare providers should consider indirect exposure through close personal contact for penicillin allergies.
  • Further investigation into transmission of antibiotics via bodily fluids may be warranted.

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