Immunologic reactivity on one year follow-up of subjects without allergy to Hymenoptera stings

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 1997 Jun;15(2):81-8.

Abstract

We studied Hymenoptera stings in 72 pest-control operators without any previous systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings, and investigated their venom-specific IgE levels in serial specimens collected over one year. At the initial evaluation, venom-specific IgE was present in 25 (34.7%) of 72 pest-control operators, and venom-specific IgE titer significantly decreased as the time interval from the last sting increased (p < 0.001). In most cases, venom-specific IgE disappeared less than 3 years after the last sting. On the other hand, the ratio of subjects with positive CAP for venom-specific IgE was significantly increased with an elevation of total serum IgE level (p < 0.001). After the one year follow-up, venom-specific IgE titer in the 25 subjects with positive CAP decreased significantly (p = 0.026). Total serum IgE level modified the decline significantly (p = 0.011), but the time interval from the last sting did not. In elevated total IgE level (>250 IU/ml), the decline of venom-specific IgE tended to be slow.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Arthropod Venoms / immunology
  • Bites and Stings
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hymenoptera
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / epidemiology*
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin E / analysis*
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / immunology
  • Pest Control
  • Radioallergosorbent Test
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Arthropod Venoms
  • Immunoglobulin E