Polymers of β-Lactam Antibiotics: Structural, Chemical and Biological Properties

Polymers of benzylpenicillin, ampicillin and cephaloridine have been isolated, physically examined and tested for allergenicity. Five of eleven penicillin sensitive subjects were found to give a positive response in the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) while two tested individuals showed release of histamine from basophils. Two penicillin sensitive subjects also gave positive LTT with cephaloridine polymer.