ABSTRACT
Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic produced by fermentation of Micromonospora purpurea or M. echinospora. It is an antibiotic complex consisting of four major (C1, C1a, C2, and C2a) and several minor components. This chapter provides monographs of gentamicin which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. Gentamicin is indicated for treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus species (indole-positive and indole-negative), E. coli, Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia species, Citrobacter species and Staphylococcus species (coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative). The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
