[Hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics]

Abstract

Allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics is a common condition and about 10% of patients report being allergic to penicillin. However, this diagnosis is largely overestimated. Two types of allergy should be distinguished and include immediate hypersensitivity that can lead to anaphylactic shock and delayed hypersensitivity, ranging from the most common maculopapular exanthema to severe bullous toxidermia or life-threatening DRESS. Allergy challenge with oriented skin tests according to the clinical features, supplemented with oral challenge in the absence of contraindication, will confirm or invalidate the diagnosis of beta-lactam allergy and will help to identify if necessary safe alternatives to beta-lactams.

Keywords: Allergie; Allergy; Beta-lactam antibiotics; Bêtalactamines; Delayed hypersensitivity; Hypersensibilité immédiate; Hypersensibilité retardée; Immediate hypersensitivity; Skin tests; Tests cutanés.