Double sensitization to honeybee and wasp venom: immunotherapy with one or with both venoms? Value of FEIA inhibition for the identification of the cross-reacting ige antibodies in double-sensitized patients to honeybee and wasp venom.

Background: Double sensitization to honeybee (Apis mellifera) and wasp venom (Vespula spp.) as determined by skin test and measurement of specific IgE is common in hymenoptera sting allergy. Double-sensitized patients have either distinct antibodies for each venom or cross-reacting antibodies that recognize similar or identical epitopes in both venoms.

Food allergies associated with birch pollen: comparison of Allergodip and Pharmacia CAP for detection of specific IgE antibodies to birch pollen related foods.

Sera from 42 patients sensitive to birch pollen were investigated in a pilot study with the new Allergodip screening dipstick for cross-reactive allergens (Allergopharma). The dipstick contained nine separate allergen pads with extracts from birch pollen, hazel pollen, alder pollen, apple, hazelnut, carrot, peach, mugwort pollen and celery root (celeriac), together with negative and positive controls. The results of the test were assessed visually and classified in Allergodip classes 0-4 and compared with the results from the Pharmacia CAP method and with the symptoms reported by the patients.