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Work-related anaphylaxis to wasp sting.
Antonio Pérez-Pimiento1, Luis Prieto-Lastra, Marta Rodríguez-Cabreros
1Allergy, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, San Martin de Porres, 4, Madrid 28020, Spain. aperezpimiento@yahoo.es
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|June 27, 2007
Summary
Workplace wasp stings cause anaphylaxis, particularly in gardeners with a history of atopy. Most reactions, however, are not work-related, though those that are show a higher prevalence of atopy.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Wasp venom allergy can lead to severe anaphylactic reactions.
- Understanding the occupational context of these reactions is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and epidemiological characteristics of wasp venom allergy occurring in the workplace.
- To compare the features of workplace-related anaphylaxis with those occurring outside of working hours.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 98 adult patients who experienced anaphylaxis after a wasp sting.
- Data collected included reaction timing (work vs. non-work hours), personal history of atopy, previous stings, and occupation.
- Serum-specific IgE levels to common wasp venoms (Vespula, Polistes, Apis) were measured.
Main Results:
- Eighteen percent of patients experienced anaphylaxis during working hours, with gardening being the most common occupation.
- Workplace reactions were associated with a significantly higher prevalence of atopy (94%) compared to non-workplace reactions (22%).
- Most reactions occurred in summer, in rural areas, and in male patients with a history of multiple previous stings.
Conclusions:
- While most wasp sting anaphylaxis is not work-related, gardeners are a high-risk occupational group.
- Workplace wasp venom allergy is strongly associated with a personal history of atopy.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering occupational exposures in patients with allergic reactions to wasp stings.
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