Bovine collagen induced systemic symptoms: antibody formation against bovine and human collagen

We describe the first case of systemic symptoms after injection of bovine collagen and silicone polymers associated with antibodies to both native type I and II bovine and human collagen that varied with clinical features. Joint inflammation, edema at the injection site of bovine collagen implant and fever appeared 6 months after injection. Our patients history raises the question of whether the injection of animal derived collagen, particularly combined with silicone, induces or exacerbates autoimmune disease.