Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
A new onset of systemic lupus erythematosus developed after bee venom therapy
Young Hee Rho1, Jin-Hyun Woo, Seong Jae Choi
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, and Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease of an unknown origin, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be triggered by numerous stimuli. Bee venom therapy is an alternative therapy that is believed to be effective for various kinds of arthritis. We present here a case of a 49-year-old female who experienced a new onset lupus after undergoing bee venom therapy, and this looked like a case of angioedema. The patient was successfully treated with high dose steroids and antimalarial drugs. We discuss the possibility of bee venom contributing to the development of SLE, and we suggest that such treatment should be avoided in patients with lupus.
Related Concept Videos
Allergic Reactions
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Allergic Drug Reactions
Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...