Bee and wasp stings cause type I hypersensitivity reactions, Mechanism and Treatment.

Abstract

Background: Humans are very susceptible to the poison of insects. Some animals can produce substances that cause allergic reactions in humans. In these conditions, the immune system responds through mechanisms that provoke a state of defense in the affected person to fight against the aggression. In many cases, this defense is very strong to the organism itself.Methods: The topic: “hypersensitivity due to stings of insects (bees and wasps)” was reviewed by keywords of articles included in the Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. The articles were selected by their relevance. Recently published articles in peer-reviewed journals were included, conducting a detailed review of all contents.Results: The review indicated that the hypersensitivity mechanisms produced by bee and wasp stings are mainly mediated by IgE’s antibodies. In addition, the crucial importance of a rapid response to the first symptoms of hypersensitivity to prevent the venom severe symptoms leading to the patient´s death is emphasized.Conclusions: The current knowledge of hypersensitivity reactions in individuals susceptible to bee and wasp stings was reviewed and summarized, revealing that IgE-mediated allergic reactions are the main mechanism. Adequate treatment after the inoculation of the poison is decisive in the patient´s recovery.

Keywords

• immune system
• hypersensitivity reaction
• anaphylaxis
• bee sting
• wasp sting