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Bee and wasp venom allergy in Turkey
A F Kalyoncu1, A U Demir, U Ozcan
1Hacettepe University Hospital, Department of Chest Diseases Adult Allergy Unit, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
Bee and wasp stings are common in Turkey, with a high lifetime sting rate. Severe allergic reactions occur in 2.2% of cases, indicating a need for better public awareness and treatment strategies for Hymenoptera venom allergy.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Bee and wasp stings represent a significant public health concern in Turkey due to increasing beekeeping activities.
- Understanding the epidemiology of Hymenoptera venom allergy is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of bee and wasp sting allergies in a specific region of Turkey.
- To assess the severity of allergic reactions and public awareness regarding potential fatalities and treatment.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted with 786 participants in Afyon, Turkey.
- Skin prick tests and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurements for bee and wasp venom were performed on 212 subjects.
- Data on sting history, reaction severity, emergency room visits, and family history were collected.
Main Results:
- A high cumulative lifetime sting rate of 94.5% was observed, with 20.4% experiencing stings in the last year.
- Severe systemic reactions occurred in 2.2% of individuals, and 9.3% reported emergency room visits.
- Atopy prevalence was 20.3%, but factors like atopy, sex, or smoking did not significantly correlate with reaction severity.
Conclusions:
- Bee and wasp stings are highly prevalent in Turkey, with a notable incidence of severe systemic allergic reactions.
- Public awareness regarding the fatal potential of stings and appropriate treatment for allergic reactions is inadequate.
- Further public health initiatives are needed to improve education and management of Hymenoptera venom allergies.