Reaction occurring 1 or 2 weeks after the injection of antiserum (donor serum containing desired antibodies) and caused by an antibody reaction to an antigen in the donor serum. Symptoms of fever, enlarged spleen, joint pain, and swollen lymph glands occur.
An allergic reaction, usually to an injected drug. May cause fever, joint pains, rash, and swollen lymph glands.
A severe immune response to a foreign protein that occurs most frequently as a reaction to antibiotic medications or vaccinations, particularly those containing animal serum. Serum sickness occurs when the immune system’s response to the medication or vaccine is so intense that it results in substantial inflammation inflammation and tissue damage. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain, fluid retention and swelling in the arms and legs, enlarged lymph nodes, and hives. The symptoms usually appear within 5 to 21 days of having taken the medication or receiving the vaccine, and they persist for 2 to 3 weeks.
A reaction that sometimes occurs 7-12 days after injection of a quantity of foreign serum, such as horse serum used in the preparation of antitetanus injections. The usual symptoms are rashes, fever, joint pains, and enlargement of the lymph nodes. The reaction is due to the presence of antigenic material still in the circulation by the time that the body has started producing antibodies against it; it is therefore a form of delayed ‘hypersensitivity reaction. The condition is rarely serious.
A hypersensitivity reaction due to circulating antigen-antibody complexes, so-called because it was a not uncommon reaction to the administration of foreign serum which used to be given as a form of passive immunity before the days of antibiotics. A similar series of events can occur 1-3 weeks after the administration of drugs such as penicillin and streptomycin. It is characterized by fever, arthralgia and lymphadenopathy and is usually self-limiting as it resolves when the supply of antigen is used up.
An adverse (type III hypersensitivity) immune response following administration of foreign antigens, especially antiserum obtained from horses or other animals. Animal serum was formerly used for passive immunization against some infectious diseases but now has very limited use in antitoxins, monoclonal antibodies, and antilymphocyte globulin. Serum sickness can also occur after administration of penicillins and other drugs. Antigen-antibody complexes form and deposit on the walls of small blood vessels, stimulating an inflammatory response that produces a pruritic rash, fever, joint pain and swelling, myalgias, and enlarged lymph nodes 7 to 14 days after exposure. Treatment consists of salicylates (such as aspirin) and antihistamines to minimize inflammation; corticosteroids may be given for severe symptoms.
In humans, an inflammatory response can occur when exposed to serum proteins derived from animal sources that contain polyclonal antibodies. This reaction typically manifests within four to 10 days after exposure and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, joint pain, itching, rashes, low blood pressure, spleen enlargement, and the presence of protein and blood in the urine.
A hypersensitivity reaction that can occur roughly 10 days after receiving an antiserum made from animal sources or after taking specific medications like penicillins. Symptoms can encompass an itchy skin rash, joint discomfort, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. In more extreme instances, symptoms resembling shock may manifest. Serum sickness symptoms generally resolve within a few days, and antihistamines can expedite recovery. For severe cases, corticosteroid medication might be prescribed.
An allergic response identified by hives and swelling, triggered by the injection of serum.