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Epidemiology of insect venom sensitivity in children and its correlation to clinical and atopic features

E Novembre1, A Cianferoni, R Bernardini

  • 1Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Az Osp A. Meyer, Third Paediatric Clinic, University of Florence, Italy.

Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|August 28, 1998
PubMed

Insights

This study found that while skin-prick tests for Hymenoptera venoms (HV) are not highly prevalent in schoolchildren, positive results correlate with atopy and a history of insect sting reactions. Further research is needed to understand the link with food allergies.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Cutaneous sensitivity to Hymenoptera venoms (HV) is a concern, but prevalence and associations with atopy in children require further investigation.
  • Atopy, characterized by a predisposition to allergic diseases, is common in childhood and may influence venom sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of skin-prick test (SPT) positivity to Hymenoptera venoms (HV) in primary schoolchildren.
  • To investigate the correlation between HV sensitivity and other atopic parameters, including personal history of allergic diseases and positive SPTs to common allergens.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1175 schoolchildren completed questionnaires and underwent SPTs for inhalant allergens, food allergens, and standardized HV extracts.
  • Statistical analyses, including univariate and multiple regression, were used to identify factors associated with positive HV SPTs.

Main Results:

  • A total of 3.66% of children had positive SPTs to HV, with honey bee venom being the most common sensitizer.
  • Positive HV SPTs were significantly correlated with a history of Hymenoptera sting reactions (P=0.0026).
  • Factors such as age, history of HV reactions, and positive SPTs to grass, Parietaria, cow's milk, and egg white were independently associated with HV sensitization.

Conclusions:

  • Immunological sensitization to Hymenoptera venoms in unselected children is less frequent than in adults.
  • There is a significant association between positive HV SPTs and an atopy-linked IgE response.
  • A surprising independent association was observed between positive SPTs to animal-derived foods and HV sensitization, warranting further study.

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