Component-resolved diagnosis in vespid venom-allergic individuals

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology
• Entomology

Background:

• Hymenoptera venom allergy often involves multiple sensitizations.
• Understanding allergic profiles is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the component-resolved allergic profile in wasp-allergic patients.
• To evaluate the utility of specific IgE to components in cases of dual sensitization.

Main Methods:

• Specific IgE (sIgE) levels to various wasp venom components were measured before and after two years of immunotherapy.
• Skin tests with venoms were performed.
• Component-resolved diagnostics guided immunotherapy decisions.

Main Results:

• Eight out of thirteen patients showed double sensitization to Polistes and Vespula.
• Specific IgE to common allergens like nVes v 1/nPol d 1 decreased post-treatment.
• sIgE levels decreased after two years, even in patients treated with a single venom for dual sensitization.

Conclusions:

• Component analysis is valuable for diagnosing dual wasp venom sensitization.
• Phospholipase was identified as a major allergen.
• Consider dual immunotherapy when diagnosis is uncertain.