Allergy
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beta-Lactam drugs may induce both cellular and humoral allergic reactions, and there is evidence that T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of these reactions. The aim of this work was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) as an in vitro diagnostic tool, in patients with either an immediate or a nonimmediate reaction to penicillin G and/or amoxicillin. ⋯ The LTT should be considered a useful in vitro diagnostic tool to identify subjects allergic to penicillins, especially patients with nonimmediate reactions where the LTT has a better diagnostic value than skin tests. Interestingly, positive T-cell proliferative responses can be observed 10 or more years after the occurrence of the reaction without further exposure to the drug.