80% of patients with true penicillin allergy no longer react after 10 years, because _____ antibodies dissipate over time.

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Multiple Choice

80% of patients with true penicillin allergy no longer react after 10 years, because _____ antibodies dissipate over time.

Explanation:
Immediate penicillin allergy is caused by IgE antibodies. In susceptible people, penicillin forms antigenic determinants that trigger production of penicillin-specific IgE, which binds to mast cells and basophils. When the drug is encountered again, the IgE cross-links and releases mediators like histamine, leading to rapid allergic symptoms. Over time, the levels of penicillin-specific IgE tend to decline, so many individuals lose their reactivity after years. Other antibody classes (IgG, IgA, IgM) aren’t responsible for this immediate hypersensitivity reaction, so they don’t explain why reactivity wanes.

Immediate penicillin allergy is caused by IgE antibodies. In susceptible people, penicillin forms antigenic determinants that trigger production of penicillin-specific IgE, which binds to mast cells and basophils. When the drug is encountered again, the IgE cross-links and releases mediators like histamine, leading to rapid allergic symptoms. Over time, the levels of penicillin-specific IgE tend to decline, so many individuals lose their reactivity after years. Other antibody classes (IgG, IgA, IgM) aren’t responsible for this immediate hypersensitivity reaction, so they don’t explain why reactivity wanes.

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