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J Allergy (Cairo). 2011;2011:365683. doi: 10.1155/2011/365683. Epub 2011 Mar 17.

Occupational asthma in antibiotic manufacturing workers: case reports and systematic review.

Journal of allergy

Sara Díaz Angulo, Joanna Szram, Jenny Welch, Julie Cannon, Paul Cullinan

Affiliations

  1. Centro Medico de Asturias, Avendia José María Richard, Oviedo, 33193 Asturias, Spain.

PMID: 21603168 PMCID: PMC3095898 DOI: 10.1155/2011/365683

Abstract

Background. The risks of occupational asthma (OA) from antibiotics are uncertain. We report 4 new cases and a systematic review of the literature. Methods. Cases were identified through a specialist clinic, each underwent specific provocation testing (SPT). We subsequently reviewed the published literature. Results. The patients were employed in the manufacture of antibiotics; penicillins were implicated in three cases, in the fourth erythromycin, not previously reported to cause OA. In two, there was evidence of specific IgE sensitisation. At SPT each developed a late asthmatic reaction and increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness. 36 case reports have been previously published, 26 (citing penicillins or cephalosporins). Seven cross-sectional workplace-based surveys found prevalences of 5-8%. Conclusions. OA in antibiotic manufacturers may be more common than is generally recognised. Its pathogenesis remains unclear; immunological tests are of uncertain value and potential cases require confirmation with SPT. Further study of its frequency, mechanisms, and diagnosis is required.

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