Clinical symptoms and immunologic reactivity to bee and wasp stings in beekeepers

Abstract

We compared the history of sting reactions with venom skin prick test (SPT) and CAP RAST reactions in beekeepers in order to assess the value of structured questions and symptom backgrounds. The study population consisted of 102 beekeepers, who were 25-75 years of age. Bee and wasp venom SPT was performed with concentrations of 10, 100, and 300 micrograms/ml. The CAP Phadiatop test was used in the screening of IgE antibodies against common inhalant allergens. Forty-two beekeepers had never experienced large local or systemic reactions after a bee sting. Of the 31 subjects with a history of systemic reactions, 13 had experienced these during the previous year. A significant difference (P < 0.01) between systemic reactors and nonreactors was found in bee venom CAP and SPT (300 micrograms/ml). However, due to considerable overlap, these tests are unable to discriminate between allergic and nonallergic beekeepers. Both bee venom SPT (300 micrograms/ml) and CAP tests were positive in 65% of systemic reactors and in 34% of nonreactors (P = 0.008). Venom SPT (300 micrograms/ml) correlated significantly with CAP for both venoms. No correlation was observed between venom allergy and atopy. Clinically, the most practical concentration for evaluating bee and wasp venom sensitization by SPT proved to be 300 micrograms/ml.

Bee venom allergy in beekeepers and their family members

“…In the highly exposed population of beekeepers (Table 1), up to 31% report large local and 14-32% report systemic allergic reactions following bee stings [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. In the highly exposed population of beekeepers (Table 1), up to 31% report large local and 14-32% report systemic allergic reactions following bee stings [6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

Asymptomatic sensitisation to grapes in a sample of workers in the wine industry: Table 1

“…This fact has been confirmed by numerous studies reporting increased sensitisation after long term exposure, including increased sensitisation to hymenoptera venom in beekeepers, 4 to latex in hospital personnel, 5 and to laboratory animals' allergens in laboratory workers. 6 The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sensitisation to grapes, in a population with repeated exposure to grape allergens through direct cutaneous contact as well as through the gastrointestinal tract.…”

Pattern of sensitization to honeybee venom in beekeepers: A 5-year prospective study

“…8,12,13 However, until now, only case control retrospective study has been reported. 13,14 This is the first time that the pattern of sensitization development over a 5-year period was investigated in a follow-up prospective study, in a population starting occupational exposure to Hymenoptera venom, without previous sensitization and in comparison with a control group of people with outdoor occupational activities and occasional exposure to Hymenoptera venom.…”

“…Other published studies report atopic background in similar frequency among allergic beekeepers, allergic family members, and allergic controls. 11,12,13,16 Miyachi et al 17 observed a significantly higher frequency of atopic background in allergic beekeepers than in nonallergic beekeepers. They suggested that during their work, either through inhalation or multiple stings, atopic beekeepers are sensitized more easily than nonatopic beekeepers.…”