[Anaphylactic reactions in mediastinal echinococcosis]

A boy with inoperable mediastinal echinococcosis is reported, who developed anaphylactic reactions during chemotherapy with mebendazole. IgE-mediated hypersensitivity was demonstrated by elevated echinococcus-specific serum IgE-antibody concentrations, by allergen-induced histamine release from washed leukocytes, and by passive sensitization of nonsensitized leukocytes with the patient's serum. During hyposensitization with echinococcus antigen no further anaphylactic symptoms were observed over a two years period. There was a decrease in allergen-specific serum IgE-concentrations and in basophil sensitivity to echinococcus antigen. The indication for hyposensitization in echinococcosis is discussed.