Kounis NG, Ren HL, Kavalioti M, Koniari I, Theoharides TC. Intimate Contact Could Be Dangerous for Your Health.
Clin Ther 2019;
41:1222-1226. [PMID:
31076202 DOI:
10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.04.010]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
To review evidence of hypersensitivity reactions to allergens and/or pathogens transmitted via intimate contact.
METHODS
We reviewed PubMed for publications in English between 1980 and 2018 using the terms allergy, drugs, foods, hypersensitivity, intercourse, kissing, Kounis syndrome, mast cells, and semen.
FINDINGS
In human RELATIONSHIPS, intimate contact can occasionally have disastrous or even fatal consequences because antigens and pathogens can be transmitted via the oral and vaginal mucosa. Hypersensitivity to semen is an underrecognized problem. Some individuals also developed acute coronary hypersensitivity, which mimics myocardial infarction, known as Kounis syndrome.
IMPLICATIONS
Hypersensitivity reactions to allergens and/or pathogens via intimate contact are common and should be recognized. Sensitive patients should be evaluated for atopic diathesis because such patients may be more susceptible and could also develop Kounis syndrome.
Collapse