Comparison Of Symptoms Of Influenza A With Abacavir-Associated Hypersensitivity Reaction

Differentiation between abacavir hypersensitivity and viral respiratory infections is problematic. Fifteen cases of abacavir hypersensitivity were matched to 30 controls with culture proven influenza A with no abacavir exposure. Rash was associated with hypersensitivity (odds ratio [OR] = 13.1, P = 0.02) as was the presence of nausea (OR=30, P<0.001), vomiting (OR=17.1, P=0.001) or diarrhoea (OR=22, P<0.001). The number of gastrointestinal symptoms was also predictive of hypersensitivity reaction (P<0.001). Respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, or dyspnoea) were not associated with abacavir hypersensitivity (OR=0.08, P=0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed the following associations for abacavir hypersensitivity: the number of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR=8.6, P=0.0032), cough (OR=0.039, P=0.02) and rash (OR=16.9, P=0.07). Abacavir hypersensitivity is strongly associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Cough without GI symptoms is associated with influenza.