Impact of environmental factors on Apis dorsata (giant Asian honeybee) venom in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka.

Apis dorsata stings are amongst the most frequent insect-stings in Sri Lanka. A. dorsata venom consists of a mixture of components including PLA, melittin, hyaluronidase and apamin.

Diagnosis of Apis dorsata venom allergy: use of recombinant allergens of Apis mellifera and a passive basophil activation test.

Background: Allergy to Apis dorsata (Giant Asian Honeybee) venom is the commonest insect allergy in Sri Lanka and South East Asia. However, laboratory diagnosis is difficult as the pure venom and diagnostic reagents are not commercially available.

Objective: This study assessed the use of four recombinant allergens of A.

Diagnosis of venom allergy: use of immunochemical methods and a passive basophil activation test.

Background: Allergy to venom is common in the Asia Pacific region. Venom preparations for diagnosis are not commercially available for this species.

Methods: The prominent allergens in venom were identifiedusing immunochemical methods.

IgE cross-reactivity of phospholipase A and hyaluronidase of Apis dorsata (Giant Asian Honeybee) and Apis mellifera (Western Honeybee) venom: Possible use of A. mellifera venom for diagnosis of patients allergic to A. dorsata venom.

Diagnostic and therapeutic reagents are unavailable for anaphylaxis arising from stings by Apis dorsata. Venom profiles and cross-reactivity of A. dorsata and Apis mellifera were compared, to ascertain whether venom of A.