[Immunotherapy in patients allergic to bee venom].
OBJECTIVE
to review the main features about honey-bee venom desensitization in patients with adverse reactions to honey-bee stings.


METHODS
a non-systematic search was performed in the main internet medical data base looking for relevant papers related to honeybee venom allergy, patients' selection for honey-bee venom immunotherapy (HBVIT), the most effective immunotherapy, the time of application and the protection obtained by HBVIT.


RESULTS
of a total of 1,656 articles found, 18 documents were selected and revised, with the following findings: the HBVIT is indicated in patients with a clinical history and diagnostic confirmatory tests of allergy to bee venom and with the knowledge of the natural history of the disease. The protection against systemic reactions caused by new bee stings using HBVIT is over 90%. It is advisible to apply HBVIT for continuos periods of 5 years in order to develop a long-lasting immunologic tolerance.


CONCLUSIONS
HBVIT has well defined clinical indications, and its adequate application offers protection in the long term against new bee stings.
Angeles
Martin Becerril
MB
Jefe del servicio de Alergia e Inmunologia Clinica, UMAE, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Medico Nacional La Raza, IMSS. mbecer5@gmail.com
D001514:Bee Venoms / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*
D001514:Bee Venoms