ISSN:
1398-9995
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Determination of Hymenoptera venom (HV)-specific serum IgE antibodies is a useful diagnostic method in patients with systemic anaphylactic reaction (SAR) to Hymenoptera stings. In a general population cohort, we determined the prevalence of SAR and HV-specific IgE antibodies and assessed parameters associated with the latter. A total of 277 voluntarily participating inhabitants of rural Bavaria (Germany) (232 adults, mean age 38.0 years; 45 children, mean age 8.4 years) were investigated for a history of atopic disease or SAR to insect stings; in 258 of these, total IgE and specific IgE antibodies to HV (Apis melliferu, Vespulu vulguris/germanica) and four common aeroallergens (birch pollen, grass pollen, house-dust mite, and cat dander) in the serum were determined. Nine (3.3%) subjects reported SAR to insect stings. In 27.1% of the sera, specific IgE antibodies to HV were found, to bee venom in 24.8%, and to wasp venom in 8.5% (P〈0.000l) Of those exhibiting HV-specific IgE, 7.1% reported SAR to insect stings. A personal history of atopic disease (hay fever, asthma, or atopic eczema) was present in 16.7%, specific IgE to common aeroallergens was found in 32.6%, and total IgE〉 100 kU/1 was found in 22.5%. Specific serum IgE to HV was significantly associated with male sex (female vs. male, OR =0.47; CI 0.25-0.86), young age (children vs. adults, OR =2.80; CI 1.25-6-28), a history of SAR to insect stings (OR=4.16; CI 1.15-15.03), total sIgE〉 100 kU/1 (OR=3.88; CI 1.98-7.60), and specific IgE antibodies to three of the four aeroallergens (grass pollen, OR = 7.24 CI 3.66-14.38; birch pollen, OR=3.67 CI 1.54-8.81; and house-dust mite, ORz4.61 CI 2.08–10.32). It is concluded that immunologic sensitization to HV is common in the general population and is associated with atopy-related I humoral IgE hyperresponsiveness.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.1996.tb04632.x
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