Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

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 Reactions

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...

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

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...

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

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...

Hypersensitivities

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...

Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions

Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions

Idiosyncratic drug reactions represent abnormal chemical responses that vary significantly among individuals, ranging from extreme sensitivity to low doses to insensitivity to high doses. These reactions often occur due to the drug's covalent binding with serum proteins, forming a foreign hapten that triggers an immunotoxicological response. The variability in drug reactions has a strong pharmacogenetic foundation, with genetic differences crucial in how individuals metabolize drugs. For...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis: an atypical abdominal pain.

Acta clinica Belgica·2014

Same author

Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with Puumula Hantavirus infection.

Acta clinica Belgica·2014

Same author

Intraperitoneal meropenem administration: a possible alternative to the intravenous route.

Peritoneal dialysis international : journal of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis·2010

Same author

Group C streptococcal psoas abscess associated with a homolateral hip joint prosthesis infection: a case report.

Acta clinica Belgica·2009

Same author

[World kidney Day 2008: the impact of epidemiology of kidney diseases in Belgium].

Revue medicale de Bruxelles·2008

Same author

Severe peritonitis due to Pantoea agglomerans in a CCPD patient.

Peritoneal dialysis international : journal of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis·2008

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

Published on: October 12, 2012

Azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome: a case report.

S Fenaux¹, M Tintillier, Ch Cuvelier

¹Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Clinique et Maternité Sainte Elisabeth, Namur, Belgium. fenauxsarah@hotmail.be

Acta Clinica Belgica

|October 26, 2013

Summary

A rare azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome caused a febrile rash and joint pain in a patient. Stopping azathioprine treatment led to rapid recovery, highlighting its importance in managing this adverse drug reaction.

More Related Videos

Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Published on: September 26, 2022

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity

Published on: September 16, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

Published on: October 12, 2012

Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Published on: September 26, 2022

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity

Published on: September 16, 2011

Area of Science:

Clinical Medicine
Dermatology
Pharmacology

Background:

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive drug used in various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Hypersensitivity reactions to azathioprine are uncommon but can manifest with diverse clinical symptoms.
Understanding the diagnostic criteria and management of azathioprine hypersensitivity is crucial for patient safety.

Observation:

A 51-year-old male developed a febrile cutaneous eruption and arthralgia 10 days after initiating azathioprine therapy.
Clinical examination revealed no inflammatory syndrome, and all bacteriological tests were negative.
Skin biopsy showed granulocytary pustules, dermal edema, and neutrophil infiltration, without vasculitis.

Findings:

The clinical presentation and biopsy results were consistent with azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome.
This syndrome is an idiosyncratic, non-IgE-mediated reaction.
Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion and exclusion of other causes.

Implications:

Discontinuation of azathioprine is the primary and effective treatment for hypersensitivity syndrome.
Prompt recognition and cessation of the offending drug are vital for patient recovery.
This case underscores the importance of considering drug-induced hypersensitivity in patients presenting with unexplained febrile eruptions and systemic symptoms.