[Immunologic reactivity of tylosin and erythromycin]

The authors investigated the antibody response to erythromycin and tylosine in experiments and in a clinical investigation. The results proved in 90-100% a crossed immunological reactivity of the two macrolid antimicrobial preparations. In view of the wide use of tylosine in veterinary practice and its presence in residues of slaughter animals as well as in serological tests, it is very probable that this preparation participates in a major way in the increased incidence of allergic reactions against erythromycin in humans. Clinical results confirmed this assumption.