Grape anaphylaxis: a study of 11 adult onset cases.

Reports of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic reactions to grapes and wine are limited in the literature. Nevertheless, grapes are widely grown and consumed in Mediterranean countries. The object of this prospective study was to present clinical features, in vivo and in vitro allergy testing, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) serotyping in patients with recurring reactions to grapes and grape products.

Penicillin hypersensitivity: value of clinical history and skin testing in daily practice.

Penicillin often is excluded as a treatment option based on patients' self-reported history of an adverse reaction to penicillin. The objective of this prospective study was to determine the likelihood of true penicillin allergy in patients with vague and convincing histories of penicillin allergy and to evaluate the diagnostic value added by appropriate skin testing. Six hundred thirty-eight patients with prior beta-lactam intake had a current indication for penicillin therapy and were referred for testing with the major (benzylpenicilloyl polylysine) and minor (minor determinant mixture) penicillin determinants from the inpatient and outpatient service of Athens University Dermatological hospital from January 2000 to December 2002.