In most affected persons, a Hymenoptera sting results in local itching and mild induration. There are some individuals, however, who additionally respond to a sting by developing sensitization manifested by the presence of venom-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies (vsIgE) to various components of insect venoms (in honeybee venom, 12 allergens have been identified so far: Api m1 -Api m 12; in wasp venom, 5 allergens have been identified: Vesp v 1, V v 2, Vesp v 3, Vesp v5, and Ves v 6). 2 Venom sensitization is the key factor for but is not synonymous with venom allergy. Sensitization to Hymenoptera venoms may be asymptomatic (hypersensitivity not clinically relevant) or symptomatic defined as Hymenoptera--venom allergy (HVA). The asymptomatic sensitization is common and found in 9.3% to 40.7% of the general population and in 30% to 60% of beekeepers (which reflects the effect of exposition toThe occurrence of Hymenoptera-venom allergy Allergic reactions to insect bites result most frequently from stings of flying insects of the Hymenoptera order. From among over 100 000 species of Hymenoptera, the ones mainly responsible for sting reactions are usually honeybee (Apis mellifera) as well as wasps and hornets (eg, Vespula germanica, V. vulgaris, V. rufa, Vespae sp.). However, potential perpetrators of Hymenoptera allegry are diverse and vary with geography. In southern Europe, there are paper wasps (Polistinae subfamilies); in the United States, there are fire ants (Solenopsis invicta); and in Australia, there are Jack jumper ants (Myrmecia pilosula) that seem to cause more problems. A large number of Hymenoptera species, their ways of feeding, and their aggressive defense behavior result in as many as 56.6% to 94.5% of people experiencing at least 1 sting in their lives.
ABSTRACTDuring their lifetime, 94.5% of people are stung by wasps, honeybees, hornets, or bumble-bees (order Hymenoptera). After a sting, most people show typical local symptoms, 5% to 15% develop local allergic reactions, and 3% to 8.9%-systemic allergic reactions (SARs), which may be potentially life-threatening in about 10% of them. In mild forms of Hymenoptera-venom allergy (HVA), the leading symptoms are urticaria and edema (grades I and II, respectively, according to the Mueller classification). Severe SARs are classified as grade III (respiratory symptoms) and IV (cardiovascular symptoms). Rare manifestations of HVA are Kounis syndrome and takotsubo cardiomyopathy. All patients after an SAR require standard (skin test, IgE, tryptase) or comprehensive (component diagnosis, basophil activation test) allergy testing. All patients with severe systemic symptoms (hypertension, disturbances in consciousness) should be tested for mastocytosis. Additionally, a relationship was found between the severity of HVA symptoms and intake of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). There is a similar concern, although less well-documented, about the use of β-blockers. Patients with HVA who have experienced a SAR are potential candidates for ...