Delayed-type allergy against various insulin preparations including human semisynthetic insulin

The authors present a patient with delayed-type allergy against insulin preparations of different species including highly purified monocomponent insulin and human semisynthetic insulin. Positive results for cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity and for lymphocyte blastogenesis suggested a type IV immunopathogenic reaction. Intradermal tests performed with various components of insulin preparations revealed delayed-type allergy to insulins of different species (bovine, porcine and human) but not to any of the other components.