Abstract
The diagnosis of hymenoptera venom allergy is based on the clinical history and proof of sensitisation to the venom. Recommendations and consensus conferences have given priority to skin tests and, even more, to intradermal tests. Tests using blood cells can be used as an additional diagnostic step. At present, no test can reveal more than sensitisation to the venom. The situation becomes difficult when the clinical history is not clear, when the insect has not been identified or when the diagnostic tests reveal multiple sensitivities. The question then is between sensitivity to multiple hymenoptera or cross-reactions between the venoms. After having eliminated the role of carbohydrate determinants, which are most often the cause of cross-reactions, the clinician is likely to turn towards immunotherapy with several specific venoms in cases of severe clinical reactions. The prognosis of asymptomatic sensitisations still remains uncertain.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
