The analysis of Hymenoptera hypersensitive patients in Ankara, Turkey

Introduction

Introduction Hymenoptera venom can lead to systemic allergic reactions in up to 5% of the population in Europe and North America.¹ In Turkey, the lifetime incidence of sting exposure and the incidence of systemic and severe systemic reaction rates were estimated to be 94.5%, 7.5%, and 2.2%, respectively.² In children aged 6- 13 years, the lifetime cumulative sting prevalence and severe systemic reaction incidence were estimated to be 60.8% and 0.2%, respectively.³ It has been noted that Hymenoptera stings were most often caused by the honeybee, Apis Mellifera, and the vespid, Vespula Vulgaris, in Turkey.⁴ To identify species of the offending insect, recommend treatment, and educate patients about avoidance measures, patients should undergo a diagnostic evaluation.⁵ A detailed and careful history can usually establish the diagnosis of Hymenoptera sting reaction.⁵ However, sensitisation should be confirmed by a skin test reaction to venom or the detection of venom-specific IgE-antibodies to identify the responsible species, because there may be recall bias.⁶ The sensitivity and specificity of the utilised diagnostic tests are important for the correct diagnosis. Although there are some published data about the prevalence of honeybee (apis) and vespid (vespula) venom allergy, there has been no report about Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy practice from our country. Our aim was to determine the characteristics of Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity and venom immunotherapy practice in Ankara, Turkey. Materials and methods Data of 65 Hymenoptera venom allergic patients who were followed up in our department from February 2005 to August 2009 were analysed. Immunotherapy was recommended to the patients with...