Definition

Noun: A delayed allergic reaction that occurs following the injection of an antiserum or certain other medications (like some antibiotics). It is caused by an immune response where the body produces antibodies that react against foreign proteins (antigens) present in the donor serum or drug.

Usage

This term is used in medical contexts to describe a specific type of adverse reaction. - It is typically used as a non-count noun to name the condition (e.g., serum sickness). - It can also be used as a count noun when referring to specific instances or cases (e.g., a serum sickness).

Examples

• The patient developed serum sickness a week after receiving the antivenom.
• Symptoms of serum sickness include fever, rash, and joint pain.
• Serum sickness is a known potential side effect of some monoclonal antibody therapies.

Advanced Usage

• Serum sickness-like reaction (SSLR): This term is often used to describe a clinically similar reaction that occurs with non-protein drugs (like certain antibiotics), where the exact immune-complex mechanism of classic serum sickness may not be proven.
  • Cefaclor can cause a serum sickness-like reaction in children.

Variants and Related Words

• Serum sickness-like reaction (SSLR): A related clinical syndrome.
• Serum disease: An older, synonymous term for serum sickness.
• Immune-complex disease: A broader category of disorders that includes serum sickness as a classic example.

Synonyms

• Serum disease
• Type III hypersensitivity reaction (in a specific immunological context)

Related Phrases

• To develop serum sickness: The common phrase describing the onset of the condition.
  • A small percentage of individuals develop serum sickness after treatment.
• Reaction to antiserum: A descriptive phrase for the cause.
  • The fever was attributed to a reaction to the antiserum.

Noun

1. a delayed allergic reaction to the injection of an antiserum caused by an antibody reaction to an antigen in the donor serum