Double sensitization to honeybee and wasp venom: immunotherapy with one or with both venoms? Value of FEIA inhibition for the identification of the cross-reacting ige antibodies in double-sensitized patients to honeybee and wasp venom.
BACKGROUND
Double sensitization to honeybee (Apis mellifera) and wasp venom (Vespula spp.) as determined by skin test and measurement of specific IgE is common in hymenoptera sting allergy. Double-sensitized patients have either distinct antibodies for each venom or cross-reacting antibodies that recognize similar or identical epitopes in both venoms. Unfortunately, patients often fail to identify the stinging insect which makes it difficult to distinguish cross-reactors from non cross-reactors. However, for economic reasons as well as for the benefit of the patients, it would be useful to identify complete cross-reactors.


METHODS
In this study we investigated 24 double-sensitized patients who were candidates for venom immunotherapy. Homologous and heterologous FEIA inhibition was carried out with honeybee (Apis mellifera) and wasp venom (Vespula spp.) preparations from two different providers. The inhibitor concentrations were ranging from 0 to 100 microg protein/ml.


RESULTS
Sera of 4 patients were completely cross-reacting for one venom (3 honeybee, 1 wasp), 8 patients were partially cross-reacting and 10 patients were not cross-reacting. Two patients were excluded from the study due to insufficient homologous inhibition. Data from specific IgE measurements, skin test, and clinical history were not useful for the identification of cross-reacting patients.


CONCLUSIONS
FEIA inhibition is easy to perform and useful for the identification of patients with complete cross-reactivity. In these patients immunotherapy might be restricted to one venom which is beneficial for the patient and cost-effective.
Straumann
F
F
Allergy Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Bucher
C
C
Wüthrich
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001514:Bee Venoms / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D007114:Immunization; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012882:Skin Tests; D014862:Wasp Venoms / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*
D001514:Bee Venoms; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D014862:Wasp Venoms; D007073:Immunoglobulin E