This site is intended for healthcare professionals

CPD
CPD
Pro
Pro
Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Hypersensitivity reactions

Authoring team

The original classification by Gell and Coombs is still very useful today. They classified hypersensitivity reactions as four different types.

  • Type I - IgE mediated; immediate hypersensitivity reaction.

  • Type II - hypersensitivity reaction takes place intravascularly.

  • Type III - immune complex mediated.

  • Type IV - in this form of hypersensitivity the immune response is mediated by the action of the lymphocytes rather than by antibody.

Since this classification however, two further reactions Type V and Type VI have been described.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2025 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.