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Basophil histamine release in insect venom allergy
T Engel1, J H Heinig, E R Weeke
1The Allergy Clinic and Medical Department, County Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Allergy
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Investigating bee and wasp sting reactions, this study found allergy tests like skin prick tests (SPT) and basophil histamine release (BHR) are most useful weeks after the sting, not immediately. These tests help differentiate local from systemic reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Entomology
Background:
- Insect stings from bees and wasps can cause local or systemic immunological reactions.
- Assessing these reactions accurately is crucial for patient management and treatment.
- Existing diagnostic methods may have limitations in the immediate post-sting period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate venom-related and non-venom-related immunological reactions following bee or wasp stings.
- To evaluate the utility of skin tests, RAST, and basophil histamine release (BHR) tests at different time points post-sting.
- To differentiate between local and systemic allergic reactions.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen patients with local (7) or systemic (9) reactions were studied.
- Skin prick tests (SPT), RAST, and basophil histamine release (BHR) tests were performed immediately and 2, 4, and 16 weeks after stings.
- Basophil histamine release was also measured after incubation with anti-IgE.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic tests were not useful immediately after the sting due to an "anergic period."
- SPT showed statistically significant differences between local and systemic reactions, despite overlap.
- Basophil histamine release after anti-IgE incubation also differed significantly between reaction types.
Conclusions:
- Allergy testing for insect sting reactions is most effective several weeks post-sting.
- SPT and BHR show potential in distinguishing local from systemic reactions.
- Further research on BHR before stings is warranted for improved diagnostics.