Determination of
Hymenoptera venom (HV)-specific serum
IgE antibodies is a useful diagnostic method in patients with systemic
anaphylactic reaction (SAR) to Hymenoptera
stings. In a general population cohort, we determined the prevalence of SAR and HV-specific
IgE antibodies and assessed parameters associated with the latter. A total of 277 voluntarily participating inhabitants of rural Bavaria (Germany) (232 adults, mean age 38.0 years; 45 children, mean age 8.4 years) were investigated for a history of atopic disease or SAR to
insect stings; in 258 of these, total
IgE and specific
IgE antibodies to HV (Apis mellifera, Vespula vulgaris/germanica) and four common aeroallergens (birch pollen, grass pollen, house-dust mite, and cat dander) in the serum were determined. Nine (3.3%) subjects reported SAR to
insect stings. In 27.1% of the sera, specific
IgE antibodies to HV were found, to
bee venom in 24.8%, and to
wasp venom in 8.5% (P < 0.0001). Of those exhibiting HV-specific
IgE, 7.1% reported SAR to
insect stings. A personal history of atopic disease (
hay fever,
asthma, or
atopic eczema) was present in 16.7%, specific
IgE to common aeroallergens was found in 32.6%, and total
IgE > 100 kU/l was found in 22.5%. Specific serum
IgE to HV was significantly associated with male sex (female vs. male, OR = 0.47; CI 0.25-0.86), young age (children vs. adults, OR = 2.80; CI 1.25-6.28), a history of SAR to
insect stings (OR = 4.16; CI 1.15-15.03), total sIgE > 100 kU/l (OR = 3.88; CI 1.98-7.60), and specific
IgE antibodies to three of the four aeroallergens (grass pollen, OR = 7.24 CI 3.66-14.38; birch pollen, OR = 3.67 CI 1.54-8.81; and house-dust mite, OR = 4.61 CI 2.08-10.32). It is concluded that immunologic sensitization to HV is common in the general population and is associated with atopy-related humoral
IgE hyperresponsiveness.