Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies
10:31

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies

Published on: October 25, 2018

Hypersensitivity reaction in an infant fed hydrolyzed lactalbumin contained in a semielemental formula

M B Heyman1, T W Stoker, C D Rudolph

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0136.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|February 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights a rare allergic reaction to hydrolyzed lactalbumin formula in an infant with milk protein intolerance. Even hypoallergenic formulas can trigger immune responses in sensitized individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Immunology
  • Allergy Research

Background:

  • Milk protein intolerance is common in infants.
  • Hydrolyzed protein formulas are often used as hypoallergenic alternatives.
  • Lactalbumin is a primary protein in cow's milk formula.

Observation:

  • An infant developed severe gastrointestinal distress and shock after milk protein formula introduction.
  • Recurrence of symptoms occurred upon reintroduction of a hydrolyzed lactalbumin formula.
  • Immunologic testing revealed sensitivity to alpha-lactalbumin and cow's milk.

Findings:

  • The study documents the first immunological reaction to hydrolyzed whey protein (lactalbumin).
  • The infant exhibited positive lymphocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) test results.
  • Skin tests confirmed sensitivity to cow's milk and eggs, with soy formula also causing adverse reactions.

Implications:

  • Hypoallergenic formulas, while effective for many, can still elicit allergic reactions.
  • Immunologically sensitized infants require careful monitoring when rechallenged with any formula.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering immune-mediated reactions beyond simple intolerance.

More Related Videos

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers09:36

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

Published on: July 28, 2022

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings04:16

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings

Published on: February 7, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Hydrolysis01:15

Hydrolysis

Overview
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which the addition of water breaks down a polymer into its simpler monomer units. For example, peptides break into amino acids, carbohydrates into simple sugars, and DNA into nucleotides. Enzymes often facilitate these processes.
Hydrolysis Reverses Dehydration Synthesis
Complex carbohydrates can be broken down by breaking the bonds between individual sugar units. The reaction breaks a glycosidic bond as water is added to the compound. The...
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...
Hypersensitivities01:30

Hypersensitivities

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...
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...
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: Immune-Complex Reactions01:19

Hypersensitivity 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...