Cross-reactivity among and between macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins: Study on the French

Quentin Le Baron1, Delphine Bourneau-Martin1, Marina Babin1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology-Toxicology and Pharmacovigilance, University Hospital of Angers, Angers, France.

Abstract

Insights

Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins (MLS) antibiotics can cross-react. Allergological testing is crucial for patients with MLS HSR to guide alternative antibiotic selection and manage potential cross-reactivity risks.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Clinical Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) are known for macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins (MLS) antibiotics.
  • Existing data on cross-reactivity among and between MLS antibiotics are limited and often contradictory.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate hypersensitivity cross-reactions within and between MLS antibiotic classes.
  • To analyze data from the French National Pharmacovigilance Database (FPVD) for HSR to MLS antibiotics.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of HSR cases reported to MLS antibiotics in the FPVD (1985-2019).
  • Inclusion of cases with allergological testing showing positive results for multiple MLS antibiotics.
  • Utilized standardized MedDRA queries (SMQ) for data extraction.

Main Results:

  • 149 out of 8394 reviewed cases met inclusion criteria.
  • Pristinamycin and spiramycin were the most frequently implicated MLS antibiotics.
  • 86 cross-reactivities among MLS were identified in 62 cases (41.6%), with higher rates for streptogramins and between MLS classes.

Conclusions:

  • Cross-reactivity is a significant possibility among and between MLS antibiotics.
  • Clinicians, particularly dermatologists and allergologists, must consider MLS cross-reactivity in patients with HSR.
  • Allergological testing for MLS is recommended before prescribing alternative antibiotics, especially in severe cases.