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Ethanol metabolite acetic acid as causative agent for type-1 hypersensitivity-like reactions to alcoholic beverages
1Department of Dermatology, University of Ulm, Germany.
Background:
Adverse reactions to alcoholic beverages are common and more frequently mediated by immunological mechanisms than previously thought.
Objective:
To elucidate relevant allergens in this context we studied patients with an informative medical history.
Methods:
This report describes a comprehensive allergological approach in a patient exhibiting type-I hypersensitivity-like reactions towards beverages and medication containing alcohol, and salad dressings with acetic acid.
Results:
The ethanol metabolite acetic acid was found to yield positive prick test results in concentrations not eliciting reactions in healthy and atopic controls.
Conclusions:
Among other ethanol metabolites, acetic acid is a potential allergen in the context of hypersensitivity towards alcoholic beverages.