The immunogenicity of cephalosporin derivatives and their cross-reaction with penicillin.

Abstract

Cephalothin and cephaloridine, antibiotics with the 7-amino cephalosporanic acid nucleus, have been shown to form protein conjugates which were able to stimulate production of haemagglutinating, precipitating and guinea-pig skin-sensitizing antibodies in the rabbit. A high degree of cross-reaction with the benzyl penicilloyl determinant group was demonstrated, but evidence was found of only very limited cross-reaction with the haptenic determinant of the penicillin nucleus, 6-amino penicillanic acid. Cephalothin did not induce contact sensitivity in guinea-pigs. These results are discussed with particular respect to the relative parts which the side chain and nucleus of these related antibiotics play in determining antigenic specificity.