Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
07:22

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Published on: May 31, 2021

9.8K

Skin testing with β-lactam antibiotics for diagnosis of β-lactam hypersensitivity in children

Wiparat Manuyakorn1, Prapasiri Singvijarn1, Suwat Benjaponpitak1

  • 1Division of Pediatrics Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology
|August 21, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Skin testing with beta-lactam antibiotics is safe for children with a history of hypersensitivity. While these tests have a good negative predictive value (NPV), drug provocation tests are still needed for accurate diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Penicilloyl-polylysine (PPL) and minor determinant mixture (MDM) were standard for beta-lactam hypersensitivity testing but are unavailable.
  • Accurate diagnosis of beta-lactam hypersensitivity is crucial, especially in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of skin testing with common beta-lactam antibiotics for diagnosing hypersensitivity.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of alternative skin testing methods in children.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 126 pediatric patients (ages 1-18) with a history of beta-lactam hypersensitivity.
  • Performed skin tests (prick and intradermal) with penicillin G, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and the suspected beta-lactam.
  • Conducted a 3-dose-graded drug provocation test (DPT) for patients with negative skin tests.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-two patients (17.4%) had confirmed beta-lactam hypersensitivity; 12 were identified via skin testing.
  • No systemic reactions occurred during skin testing.
  • Ten patients (9.6%) with negative skin tests reacted to DPT, yielding an NPV of 91.2% for skin testing.

Conclusions:

  • Skin testing with beta-lactam antibiotics is a safe and viable option for diagnosing hypersensitivity in children when PPL and MDM are unavailable.
  • Skin testing alone has insufficient sensitivity; DPT is essential for confirming beta-lactam hypersensitivity diagnoses.

More Related Videos

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity10:22

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

Published on: September 16, 2011

34.3K
Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency10:22

Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency

Published on: June 29, 2021

4.0K

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,...
111
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...
91