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Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
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...

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Harvesting Venom Toxins from Assassin Bugs and Other Heteropteran Insects

Harvesting Venom Toxins from Assassin Bugs and Other Heteropteran Insects

Published on: April 21, 2018

Hymenoptera venom allergy.

Bernhard Przybilla¹, Franziska Ruëff

¹Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, AllergieZentrum, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Munich, Germany. christa.wandschneider@med.uni-muenchen.de

Journal Der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG

|September 16, 2009

Summary

Hymenoptera sting allergies, including anaphylaxis, are managed with symptomatic treatment and emergency kits. Venom immunotherapy offers specific long-term treatment, with efficacy confirmed by sting challenges and typically discontinued after 3-5 years.

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Harvesting Venom Toxins from Assassin Bugs and Other Heteropteran Insects

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Published on: April 21, 2018

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

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Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses

Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses

Published on: November 3, 2014

Area of Science:

Immunology
Allergology
Toxicology

Background:

Hymenoptera stings commonly cause local or systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, particularly from honeybees and Vespula species in Central Europe.
Current management involves symptomatic treatment for acute reactions and patient education for long-term care, including allergen avoidance and emergency self-treatment kits.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the diagnostic approaches and established treatment strategies for Hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis.
To discuss the efficacy, safety, and modifications of venom immunotherapy for allergic patients.

Main Methods:

Diagnosis relies on patient history, skin tests, and venom-specific serum IgE antibody measurements.
Potential inaccuracies of standard tests are acknowledged, with peripheral blood leukocyte tests suggested for equivocal cases.
Venom immunotherapy efficacy is assessed via sting challenge tests after reaching maintenance dosage.

Main Results:

Venom immunotherapy is generally well-tolerated, with dose adjustments (typically 200 microg) effectively inducing protection if initial challenges show systemic reactions.
Most patients can cease immunotherapy after 3-5 years.

Conclusions:

Venom immunotherapy is a highly effective treatment for Hymenoptera venom allergy, with standard protocols generally sufficient.
Modifications to immunotherapy may be necessary for individuals with high allergen exposure (e.g., beekeepers) or risk factors for severe reactions, such as mastocytosis or cardiovascular disease.