Allergen Specific IgG Bee/Wasp Venom

Immunology

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Description

Patients undergoing immunotherapy to bee or wasp venom produce IgG4 antibodies specific to bee or wasp venom. These can be used as an indicator of treatment progression and may indicate development of tolerance [1]. There is a modest association between the concentration of venom-specific IgG produced in response to immunotherapy and protection from allergic reactions induced by an insect sting, however some studies have shown that there is a lack of correlation between venom-specific IgG levels and the the protection from stings [2]. Therefore caution needs to be taken when interpreting results.

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Indications

Response to wasp/bee desensitisation.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

No range available.

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Turnaround Time

Within 5 days

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Testing Frequency

Daily

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References

Wachholz PA, and Durham SR. Mechanisms of immunotherapy: IgG revisited.Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004. 4(4):313-318. [Ref 1] Ewan PW, et al. Venom specific IgG antibodies in bee and wasp allergy: lack of correlation with protection from stings. Clin Exp Allergy. 1993. 23(8):647-660. [Ref 2]Van der Zee JS, and Aalberse RC.The role of IgG in immediate-type hypersensitivity. Eur Respir J Suppl. 1991. 13:91s-96s.

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