Sensitization to thimerosal in atopic children

Abstract

Thimerosal is an organic mercurial compound widely used as a preservative in vaccines, eyedrops, and contact lens cleaning and storage solutions. 5 infants, 2 female and 3 male, ranging in age from 7 to 28 months and affected by atopic dermatitis (AD) diagnosed according to the Hanifin and Rajka criteria, experienced an exacerbation of their clinical condition 2-10 days after mandatory vaccinations with vaccines containing thimerosal. Cutaneous lesions of nummular eczema appeared on the trunk, limbs and face. All patients were patch tested with serial dilutions of thimerosal in petrolatum. A positive patch test reaction to thimerosal 0.1% pet. was observed in all 5 children. 3 of them also showed a positive reaction at 0.01% and 0.05% pet. Despite their thimerosal-hypersensitivity, all children completed the entire series of mandatory vaccinations, care being taken to use different needles for injection and aspiration of the vaccine. The 2-year follow-up did not reveal other episodes of exacerbation of the AD after vaccination. The present study confirms the high frequency of sensitization to thimerosal in atopic children and suggests that vaccination can cause clinical symptoms in sensitized children. Nevertheless, sensitization to thimerosal does not prevent children from continuing with mandatory vaccinations.

Allergenic components of vaccines and avoidance of vaccination-related adverse events

“…Testing for thimerosal sensitivity is done using the patch method. Interestingly, in one study, five infants were reported to have worsening of their atopic dermatitis after injections with thimerosal-containing vaccine, yet the infants were able to complete the recommended vaccination schedule without any serious reactions [10].…”

Toxicology of the Skin

“…Thimerosal is found in contact lens solutions and vaccines (363). Antiperspirants containing zirconium can cause granulomas to form.…”

Vaccine components and constituents: responding to consumer concerns

“…The mercury or thiosalicylate components of thiomersal may produce hypersensitivity reactions 11 . Reactions are uncommon, even in those with sensitisation, and serious reactions are rare.…”