Occupational anaphylaxis induced by beta-lactam antibiotics exposure in a nurse

Healthcare workers are exposed to substances that may elicit allergic and irritant reactions, including anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction. We report the case of a nurse with pre-existing hand contact dermatitis who presented anaphylaxis following exposure to ceftriaxone and piperacillin/tazobactam during drug preparation. Diagnostic testing confirmed an allergy to both antibiotics and latex. The absence of prior therapeutic exposure, combined with skin barrier impairment and contact with spilled drugs, suggests occupational sensitization, most plausibly through transcutaneous exposure. Removal from high-risk tasks and implementation of protective control measures prevented further reactions. This case highlights the potential for systemic allergic reactions resulting from occupational exposure to antibiotics, the relevance of skin barrier integrity in sensitization, the need for a comprehensive approach to risk control, including organizational and technical measures and the importance of recognizing occupational allergies within health policies and legislation.