Immunotherapy with insect venoms: Entomologist's expertise secures choice of treatment

Abstract

Hymenoptera venom allergy may lead to severe allergic reactions to the point of life-threatening anaphylaxis. Between 0.3% to 7.5% of adults1 and 0.15% to 3.4% of children2 develop systemic anaphylactic reactions, varying from mere cutaneous to severe organ symptoms.3 The only causal therapy is Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (IT).4 In affected patients, it is important to distinguish between honeybee and Vespula (yellow jacket) stings. This requires a detailed medical history that frequently requires photographic evidence.