Hypersensitivity reactions to quinolones

Curr Pharm Des. 2006;12(26):3313-26. doi: 10.2174/138161206778194033.

Abstract

Quinolones are one of the most important classes of antimicrobial agents discovered in the recent years and one of the most widely used classes of antibiotics in clinical medicine. Their broad spectrum of activity and pharmacokinetic properties make them ideal agents for treating a variety of infections. Their clinical importance is further demonstrated by their activity against a wide range of diseases of public health importance such as anthrax, tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, and sexually transmitted diseases. Like other antibiotics, quinolones can cause various, sometimes dangerous hypersensitivity reactions. The underlying pathomechanisms are only poorly understood. Some are thought to be partly non-immune mediated reactions, others are considered to be IgE- or T cell-mediated reactions. This review gives an insight into the different immunological mechanisms leading to the diverse symptoms of quinolone-induced hypersensitivity reactions, with special emphasis on the role of T cells in such reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Quinolones / adverse effects*
  • Quinolones / chemistry
  • Quinolones / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Quinolones