BACKGROUND The diagnosis of insect venom allergy and the indication for specific immunotherapy is based on history, skin tests and demonstration of hymenoptera venom specific IgE-antibodies. In cases with contradictory test results additional cellular tests are recommended. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the usefulness of a newly introduced test based on basophil CD63 expression as marker of activati...

The present study determined the anti-inflammatory activity of Wissadula amplissima var rostrata (Schum. & Thonn.), and calculated the total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity of the plant in an attempt to justify the traditional uses of the plant in the Ashanti region of Ghana for the management of spider,wasps and bee stings. Powdered dried leaves of Wissadula amplissima were Sox...

BACKGROUND To date there has been an absence of nation-wide epidemiologic studies on insect allergy in Spain. OBJECTIVES To measure the frequency and to determine the characteristics of Hymenoptera hypersensitivity in a Spanish population at a particular point in time and compare with the data obtained in a similar study carried out in 1992. MATERIAL AND METHODS An observational, prospectiv...

BACKGROUND Information on scorpion stings is available for many parts of Saudi Arabia, but not for Al-Jouf Province. METHODS We reviewed and analyzed 1449 cases of scorpion stings that presented to the emergency department of the hospitals and medical centers in Al-Jouf Province during a 2-year period (2005-2006). RESULTS The majority of patients (92.7%) manifested class I envenomation with...

Kounis syndrome consists of angina pectoris or myocardial infarction that is triggered by the release of inflammatory mediators in the setting of an allergic reaction. We present the case of a 61-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with anaphylaxis after being stung by >100 bees. During resuscitation, he subsequently developed ST elevation myocardial infarction.