[Allergy to Hymenoptera venom (author's transl)].

The venom injected with the sting of female Hymenoptera may be very dangerous to man. It contains toxic compounds similar to those of snake venom but these only affect men in case of numerous stings at the same time. In contrast, about 25% of the population may become sensitized to venom proteins (enzymes), the least common, but most serious, allergic reactions being anaphylactic shock, rarely fatal. Diagnosis rests upon questioning, skin tests with Hymenoptera venom and immunological investigations for specific IgE and IgG, the latter being considered as protective antibodies. First-aid treatment consists of adrenaline by inhalation and injection. The latest prophylactic treatment, which may protect 97% of the patients, is injections of Hymenoptera venom extracts.