Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
07:49
Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice
Published on: October 14, 2014
Anaphylaxis following single component measles and rubella immunisation
M Erlewyn-Lajeunesse1, R Manek, R Lingam
1Paediatric Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Southampton University Hospital, Southampton, UK. Mich.Lajeunesse@soton.ac.uk
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|October 23, 2008
Summary
Anaphylaxis after measles or rubella vaccination is rare but may occur more often than expected. Higher incidence rates were observed for these single-component vaccines, highlighting the need for improved data collection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Anaphylaxis is a rare adverse event following immunisation (AEFI).
- Understanding the incidence of anaphylaxis to specific vaccines is crucial for public health surveillance.
- Single-component measles and rubella vaccines were analyzed.
Observation:
- Four cases of anaphylaxis were reported following administration of single-component measles or rubella vaccines between January 2003 and June 2007.
- Data limitations due to incomplete reporting from the private sector were noted.
Findings:
- The estimated incidence of anaphylaxis was 18.9 cases/100,000 doses for measles vaccine.
- The estimated incidence of anaphylaxis was 22.4 cases/100,000 doses for rubella vaccine.
- These incidence rates are considered higher than previously expected.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potentially higher risk of anaphylaxis with single-component measles and rubella vaccines than anticipated.
- Improved and standardized vaccine adverse event reporting across both public and private healthcare sectors is recommended.
- Enhanced data collection is vital for accurate AEFI surveillance and vaccine safety monitoring.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Allergic 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),...
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...
01:30Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
01:30Drug 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...
01:27Allergic 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...