THE DIAGNOSIS OF HYMENOPTERA HYPERSENSITIVITY

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (5) , 303-306
Abstract
Venom skin testing was performed in 216 patients with histories of systemic or local reactions of following insect stings. Of the patients 76% with histories of systemic reactions and 77% with histories of local reactions had positive skin tests up to 1 mcg/ml. The majority of vespid sensitive patients had positive skin tests to all the vespid species. Significant cross-reactivity is suggested by regression analysis. The value and safety of venom skin testing in hymenoptera hypersensitivity is confirmed. Implications for venom immunotherapy are discussed.