Abstract
Anaphylaxis is the most serious manifestation of insect venom allergy. Anaphylaxis can be life-threating and anybody can be affected regardless of his/her age, sex and overall health status.
The diagnosis and treatment of insect venom allergy is based on the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology position paper from 2005. Diagnostic tests used for confirmation of insect venom allergy are indicated only in patients with clinical history of systemic insect sting reaction according to this guidelines.
Diagnostic tools involve skin tests with insect venoms and laboratory methods, which include the assessment of specific IgE to venom extracts and their major species specific allergen components. Moreover the basophil activation test can be performed in unclear cases.
The treatment of patient with serious systemic manifestation of insect venom allergy includes education, emergency medication equipment and venom specific immunotherapy, which significantly reduces the risk of repetition of insect sting anaphylaxis