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Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Published on: September 26, 2022
Intimate Contact Could Be Dangerous for Your Health
Nicholas G Kounis1, Huali L Ren2, Maria Kavalioti3
1Patras Highest Institute of Education and Technology, Patras, Greece.
Purpose:
To review evidence of hypersensitivity reactions to allergens and/or pathogens transmitted via intimate contact.
Methods:
We reviewed PubMed for publications in English between 1980 and 2018 using the terms allergy, drugs, foods, hypersensitivity, intercourse, kissing, Kounis syndrome, mast cells, and semen.
Findings:
In human RELATIONSHIPS, intimate contact can occasionally have disastrous or even fatal consequences because antigens and pathogens can be transmitted via the oral and vaginal mucosa. Hypersensitivity to semen is an underrecognized problem. Some individuals also developed acute coronary hypersensitivity, which mimics myocardial infarction, known as Kounis syndrome.
Implications:
Hypersensitivity reactions to allergens and/or pathogens via intimate contact are common and should be recognized. Sensitive patients should be evaluated for atopic diathesis because such patients may be more susceptible and could also develop Kounis syndrome.
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