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Stinging insect identification in children with Hymenoptera venom allergy and their parents
Jagoda Kaszuba1, Marek Kaszuba2, Piotr Brzyski3
1Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Institute of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
Insights
Accurate identification of stinging insects is crucial for managing Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA). This study found that insect identification accuracy varies among children with and without HVA, influenced by diagnosis and residence.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Entomology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) management relies on accurate identification of the stinging insect.
- Misidentification can lead to improper treatment and continued risk of severe allergic reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of insect identification in children with HVA and their parents.
- To compare identification accuracy between children with and without HVA.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted with 102 children with HVA and 98 children without HVA, along with their parents.
- Participants identified various stinging insects from pictures, and data on demographics and sting history were collected.
Main Results:
- Children with HVA and their parents demonstrated varying accuracy in identifying stinging insects.
- Children without HVA were less accurate in identifying bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies compared to children with HVA.
- Residence (urban vs. rural) influenced correct identification rates for specific insects in children without HVA.
Conclusions:
- Despite severe reactions, some children with HVA and their parents struggle with accurate insect identification.
- The ability to identify stinging insects is influenced by HVA diagnosis and geographical location of residence.
Introduction:
The treatment of Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) is based among others on the proper identification of the culprit insect.
Aim:
To assess the accuracy in identifying stinging insects by children with HVA and their parents.
Material And Methods:
Participants were recruited from a paediatric medical centre. The data on their demographics, sting history and ability of insect identification (based on pictures) were obtained using a questionnaire. The study sample consisted of 102 children with HVA and their parents as well as 98 children without HVA and their parents.
Results:
The rates of subjects correctly identifying insects in the groups were 91.2%, 92.5%, 78.8%, 82.4%, respectively. When compared to children with HVA, those without HVA were less likely to correctly identify the bee, bumblebee and hoverfly. In this group, the correct identification of the wasp was more common among children living in the countryside. The correct identification of the bee and bumblebee by children without HVA was more common among children living in the city.
Conclusions:
Some children with HVA and their parents cannot correctly identify stinging insects despite previous life-threatening allergic reactions. The ability to identify stinging insects may depend on the HVA diagnosis and place of residence.
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