Wings and stings: Hymenoptera on vacation.

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol

Division of Allergy and Clnical Immunogy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. Electronic address:

Published: April 2023

AI Article Synopsis

  • Traveling can expose individuals to Hymenoptera species (like bees and wasps) that might trigger allergic reactions, even if they've had no previous issues with stings.
  • Honey bees are similar globally, while yellowjackets and hornets have highly cross-reactive venoms, but paper wasp venoms show partial cross-reactivity.
  • Venom immunotherapy can significantly reduce sting reaction risks (80-95% protection), but travelers should be aware that some specific local species may not be covered, and it's important to prepare and consult with allergists when planning trips.

Article Abstract

Traveling to different regions, one might encounter a species to which they have a known allergy, or other related and unrelated species. A first-time systemic reaction can occur while on vacation, even in those with previous asymptomatic stings. Three main groups of Hymenoptera are responsible for most sting reactions. Honey bee species are virtually identical around the world. Among social wasps (family Vespidae), the yellowjacket (genus Vespula and Dolichovespula) and hornet (genus Vespa) venoms have almost complete cross-reactivity, whereas paper wasp (genus Polistes) venoms show only partial cross-reactivity with other vespid venoms. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) confers 80% to 95% protection against related insects, though isolated species of paper wasps and yellowjackets exist in every country that may be distinct from the ones at home. Those allergic to imported fire ants (genus Solenopsis) in the United States should not react to other ant species around the world. Stinging ants belong to several unrelated subfamilies in different geographic regions, which do not have cross-reactive venom. The chances of encountering specific species of Hymenoptera at a traveler's destination vary by location, planned activities, and season. In this article, we discuss special considerations for traveling, including distribution of stinging insects around the world, risk factors for more severe reactions, ways to prepare for a trip, and when allergist examination or treatment may be helpful before travel.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2023.01.017DOI Listing

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