Lymphocyte transformation, leucocyte migration, specific IgE, IgG and IgM before, during, and after penicillin treatment without adverse reaction. A follow-up study.

This in vitro follow-up study of the penicillin-induced immune response by a well-tolerated regimen was conducted with an association of four tests: lymphocyte transformation test; leucocyte migration test; passive anaphylaxis on monkey lung tissue; and passive hemagglutination. It showed (1) that previously sensitized subjects (including IgE) tolerated the treatment by pencillin. (2) That the treatment induced either a transient positive conversion of previously negative tests or a negative conversion of previously positive tests. These in vitro findings are in accordance with previously established concepts based upon cutaneous tests and must be taken into consideration when interpretating in vitro diagnosis of penicillin allergy.