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Bronchial asthma due to spiramycin and adipic acid
Clinical Allergy
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Two pharmaceutical workers developed occupational asthma from spiramycin exposure. Inhalation tests confirmed dual asthmatic reactions, including a novel immediate response to this antibiotic.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Occupational asthma is a significant concern in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Antibiotics, particularly macrolides like spiramycin, can be potential respiratory sensitizers.
Observation:
- Two pharmaceutical workers presented with asthma symptoms exclusively at their workplace.
- Symptoms included cough and breathlessness, resolving upon removal from the work environment.
Findings:
- Inhalation challenge tests confirmed dual asthmatic reactions to spiramycin aerosol in both patients.
- An immediate asthmatic response to spiramycin, previously undescribed, was observed.
- One patient also exhibited an immediate reaction to adipic acid, suggesting a potential hypersensitivity.
Implications:
- Spiramycin can induce occupational asthma with both immediate and delayed asthmatic responses.
- Adipic acid, used as an additive, may also trigger hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals.
- This highlights the need for stringent exposure controls in pharmaceutical settings handling potent compounds.