[Wasp and bee venom allergy].

To diagnose insect venom allergy a good patient history is important. Allergological tests (skin test, specific IgE titre) confirm the diagnosis. Patients are advised on preventive measures (e.

[Immunology in medical practice. V. Constitutional eczema].

Constitutional eczema (late atopic dermatitis) is a frequent condition: some 30% of the skin diseases seen by the GP involve constitutional eczema. A number of links with (external) factors have meanwhile been established. Patients with constitutional eczema often suffer from food allergy (over 60% of the children with the eczema) and many are allergic to airborne allergens (especially housedust mite allergen).

Vineyard snail allergy possibly induced by sensitization to house-dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus).

A female patient experienced a severe allergic reaction after consumption of vineyard snails. The patient proved to be sensitized to house-dust mite (HDM) and demonstrated a positive skin test and specific IgE to snail (Eobania vermiculata, Lofarma). The snail RAST was > 80% inhibited by HDM, whereas the mite RAST was < 10% inhibited by snail extract.