Hymenoptera allergenic extracts are preparations made from the venoms of stinging insects in the order Hymenoptera, primarily honey bees (Apis mellifera), yellow jackets (Vespula spp.), hornets, and wasps. These extracts are used for both the diagnosis and immunotherapy treatment of insect sting allergies.
Book novelties:
Prioninae of the World I.
Cerambycidae of the Western Paleartic I.
Start Shopping, Start Saving – prices from $3 USD
Composition and Production
The venom is collected either by electric shock from live honey bees or by dissecting venom sacs from wasps and hornets, followed by extraction and purification processes to isolate allergenic proteins.
Commercial extracts are standardized to contain major allergenic proteins necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Available preparations include single-species venoms (honey bee, yellow jacket, yellow hornet, white-faced hornet, wasp) and mixed vespid venoms for immunotherapy.
Hymenoptera allergenic extract
Clinical Use
Diagnosis: Skin testing with these extracts helps identify patients with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to specific Hymenoptera venoms, based on wheal and erythema reactions.
Treatment: Venom immunotherapy involves repeated subcutaneous injections of increasing doses of venom extract to induce tolerance and reduce allergic reactions upon subsequent stings. This treatment is indicated for patients with a history of systemic allergic reactions and positive skin tests to Hymenoptera venoms.
The mechanism involves the production of blocking IgG antibodies, although the exact relationship between antibody levels and protection is not fully understood.
Safety and Precautions
Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy should be administered by experienced physicians with immediate access to emergency treatment due to the risk of severe systemic or anaphylactic reactions, which can be life-threatening.
Patients are observed for at least 30 minutes after injections and instructed to recognize symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Use of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors can complicate treatment and increase the risk of severe reactions; ACE inhibitors should be stopped at least 24 hours before injections.
In summary, Hymenoptera allergenic extracts are critical tools for diagnosing and managing insect sting allergies, produced through careful collection and purification of venom proteins, and used under strict medical supervision to ensure patient safety