Inventors:
Bernard B. Levine - New York NY
International Classification:
A61K 4900
Abstract:
The invention relates to the testing of humans or other animals, such as horses, cattle or dogs, for allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to penicillins. The tests can be used both to predict and to diagnose allergy. The invention comprises new penicilloyl-polylysine (PPL) preparations, and novel test methods employing such materials.
The new PPL preparations comprise homogeneous, high purity, maximally coupled,. alpha. -diastereoisomeric, penicilloyl conjugates of low molecular weight PPLs. The PPL materials of the invention have the molecular structure in accordance with the following generic formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is selected from the group consisting of H and penicilloyl groups or similar groups derived from cephalosporins or other. beta. -lactam antibiotics; and
n is an integer of from 4 to 10, at least about 66% and up to 100% of the R groups are other than hydrogen. Solutions containing this PPL material are useful in skin testing for penicillin allergy or hypersensitivity alone, but preferably are utilized in a two-part test with MDM solutions containing the novel MDM materials of the invention.