Immunological and biochemical studies in beekeepers and their family members

Abstract

To determine the immunological and biochemical consequences of chronic honeybee venom administration to humans, we studied beekeepers and their family members in two separate investigations. In the first of these studies serums were analyzed for their content of antibodies to honeybee constituents. IgE antibody levels to honeybee venom (HBV), venom sac (HBVS), and phospholipase-A (PLA) were significantly elevated in beekeepers and their family members as compared to non-beekeeper controls. However, IgE antibody levels to HBVS, HBV, and PLA did not distinguish sting-sensitive from non-sensitive beekeepers. IgE antibody levels to honeybee whole body (HBWB) were highest in beekeepers with histories suggestive of inhalant sensitivity to bee body dust. IgG antibody levels to PLA were highest in non-sensitive beekeepers stung daily or weekly; there was a significant positive correlation between IgE and IgG antibody levels to PLA in these beekeepers. In the second study the potentially harmful effects of chronic venom administration were sought, especially evidence of chronic renal disease. While a number of beekeepers and family members showed minor abnormalities in their urinalysis or blood chemistry determinations, in most instances the incidence of abnormalities was not greater among persons receiving a larger number of stings. Commercial beekeepers had a significantly greater incidence of urinary free lipids and hyaline casts, but in no case were large amounts of these substances found. The results discourage the belief that chronic honeybee venom administration is associated with any clinical disease in humans.