Hypersensitivity

Question 1

A 15-year-old girl presents with an urticarial rash, angioedema and wheezing. Her mother states that she has just come from her younger sister’s party where she had been helping to blow up balloons. What is the most likely diagnosis?

What should be given to treat it?

Answer 1

Latex allergy

Adrenaline should be given immediately

Question 2

Describe the 4 types of hypersensitivity reaction according to Gell and Coombs.

Answer 2

• Type 1 (Anaphylaxis, Atopy)
• Type 2 (Cell Bound)
• Type 3 (Immune Complex)
• Type 4 (Delayed Hypersensitivity)

Question 3

What are some examples of a Type 1 reaction?

Answer 3

• Asthma
• Eczema
• Hayfever

Question 4

Give some examples of a Type 2 Cell Bound reaction.

Answer 4

• Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
• ITP
• Goodpasture’s
• Pernicious anemia
• Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions
• Rheumatic fever
• Bullous pemphigoid
• Pemphigus vulgaris

Question 5

Give some examples of a Type 3 - Immune Complex reaction.

Answer 5

• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
• SLE

Question 6

Give some examples of a Type 4 - Delayed Hypersensitivity reaction.

Answer 6

• TB
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• MS
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome.