Citation

Lazoglu AH, Boglioli LR, Taff ML, Rosenbluth M, Macris NT. Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1995; 75(6 Pt 1): 522-524.

Affiliation

Department of Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8603283

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is the most common systemic allergic reaction caused by stinging insects. Serum sickness reactions occur much less frequently. OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of venom-specific IgG and IgE antibodies during and after a serum sickness reaction to vespid venom. METHODS: Case report; ELISA determination of venom-specific IgG and IgE; complement levels and tests for immune complexes were performed. RESULTS: We report the case of a 66-year-old woman who developed a serum sickness reaction nine days after receiving multiple vespid stings. She developed urticaria, angioedema, fever, and arthralgias. She had elevated IgG and IgE venom-specific titers which declined during the recovery phase. Complement levels were normal and tests for immune complexes were negative. She was successfully treated with venom-specific immunotherapy without any serum sickness reaction. CONCLUSIONS: A serum sickness reaction with elevated venom-specific IgG and IgE is reported with successful immunotherapy.

Language: en