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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Harvesting Venom Toxins from Assassin Bugs and Other Heteropteran Insects
Published on: April 21, 2018
[Hymenoptera venom allergy]
Hans-Jørgen Malling1, Kirsten Skamstrup Hansen1,2, Susanne Halken3
1Klinik for Allergi, Hud- og Kønssygdomme, Københavns Universitetshospital - Herlev og Gentofte Hospital.
Abstract:
This review finds that diagnostics should only be performed in patients who might be candidates for venom immunotherapy (VIT). VIT is recommended for children and adults with documented sensitisation and systemic anaphylactic reactions (respiratory and/or circulatory symptoms) or reduced quality of life due to less severe reactions. VIT is not recommended for children with monosymptomatic urticaria. VIT should be continued for five years. Patients should carry an adrenaline autoinjector during insect season until a maintenance dose is reached.
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