How is dx of serum sickness?

➢ Serum sickness after a second dose of antigen follows the kinetics of a secondary antibody response and the onset of disease occurs typically within a day or two. ➢ Diagnosis is based on history given by patient, including recent medications. ➢ True SS is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, triggered by: Antiserum – rabies and tetanus Snake anti-venom, Rituximab is a chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody against the protein CD20, which is primarily found on the surface of immune system B cells. ➢ Allergenic extracts, hormones and vaccines can also cause serum sickness. ➢ Certain medicines (such as penicillin, cefaclor, and sulfa) can cause a similar reaction.