Demonstration of IgE and IgG antibodies against venoms in the blood of victims of fatal sting anaphylaxis

Abstract

Nine people died from insect sting anaphylaxis in North Carolina from 1979 to 1981. Postmortem blood specimens from eight of these subjects were analyzed for IgE and IgG antibodies against venoms. All eight were RAST positive to at least one of the venoms. IgE and IgG anti-venom levels were comparable to those of a group of untreated sting-allergic individuals. RAST to venoms was also performed on several control groups of sera and from 3% to 50% positive RAST results were found. The highest incidence was in rural North Carolina outdoor workers. The incidence of positive RAST results in the sting-death group was significantly different from that in the control groups. This is the first demonstration of IgE antibodies against venoms in the sera of victims of fatal anaphylaxis from stings and adds further evidence for the role of IgE in sting anaphylaxis.