IgE and IgG antibodies to bee venom as measured by a modification of the RAST method.
The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) has been widely used in studying allergy to hymenoptera stings, but with variable results. We report here a modification of the RAST method which in a total of 157 bee keepers and family members, gave a close correlation between a positive RAST, and a history of generalized (100%) or localized (95%) allergic reactions. There was no positive RAST among forty-nine non-atopic control subjects but a striking finding was that 58% of non-allergic bee keepers had significant, but usually low, levels of IgE antibody to bee venom. IgG antibodies to bee venom have also been measured by a paper disc RAST which is quick and convenient. Levels were highest in non-allergic bee keepers. In the presence of high levels of IgG antibody, IgE antibody levels may be underestimated.
D000818:Animals; D001514:Bee Venoms / Q000276:immunology*; D001666:Binding Sites, Antibody; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test
D001514:Bee Venoms; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007073:Immunoglobulin E