[Hymenoptera venom allergy: new diagnostic tools and management].

Author(s): Comte D, Petitpierre S, Bart PA, Spertini F, Leimgruber A

Affiliation(s): Service d'immunologie et d'allergie CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. Denis.Comte@chuv.ch

Publication date & source: 2011-04-20, Rev Med Suisse., 7(291):844-9.

Publication type: English Abstract

Anaphylactic reactions to hymenoptera venoms are common and, in our latitudes, mainly concern wasps and bees. Recently, molecular biology techniques have contributed to identifying and to sequencing the major allergens of insect venoms and led to the production of recombinant allergens. Assays for specific IgE directed against these recombinant allergens have recently been made available in clinical practice. They provide considerable assistance in identifying the insect responsible for an anaphylactic reaction, in particular when standard tests are positive for both wasp and bee. This article focuses on these new laboratory tests and also reviews the management of patients experiencing an anaphylactic reaction after hymenoptera sting.