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A 32-year old male develops a severe full body rash after receiving penicillin. He is certain...

A 32-year old male develops a severe full body rash after receiving penicillin. He is certain that he has never received this antibiotic in the past. Summarize the immunological reaction that is occurring in this patient, and discuss one hypothesis that would explain why the symptoms occurred when he never was prescribed the drug before.

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Expert Solution

The immunological reaction occurring in this patient is called anaphylaxis. It is a serious allergic reaction which is considered as life-threatening. During this condition, immunoglobulin E binds to the antigen (penicillin is a hapten, explained in the next paragraph) and activates mast cell and basophil receptors. This triggers the release of histamine. Histamine is a vasodilator and hence it contracts bronchial smooth muscles, edema and causes body rashes on the patient's body.

why the symptoms occurred when he never was prescribed the drug before?

Penicillins are the best example for haptens. These are minute molecules that are known to trigger an immune response when bound to a carrier molecule such as proteins. This protein-hapten complex triggers the immune response and leads to an anaphylactic condition. Hence, even though the patient was never exposed to penicillin earlier, he experienced this immune reaction. In simple words, we can say that penicillin triggers anaphylaxis through hapten-carrier and antibody complex.

gladiator answered 2 years ago
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