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IgE and IgG antibodies to bee venom as measured by a modification of the RAST method
Author(s) -
KEMENY D. M.,
LESSOF M. H.,
TRULL A. K.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2222.1980.tb02124.x
Subject(s) - radioallergosorbent test , immunoglobulin e , immunology , antibody , allergy , venom , medicine , biology , biochemistry
Summary The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) has been widely used in studying allergy to hymenoptera stings, but with variable results. We report here a modification of the RAST method which in a total of 157 bee keepers and family members, gave a close correlation between a positive RAST, and a history of generalized (100%) or localized (95%) allergic reactions. There was no positive RAST among forty‐nine non‐atopic control subjects but a striking finding was that 58% of non‐allergic bee keepers had significant, but usually low, levels of IgE antibody to bee venom. IgG antibodies to bee venom have also been measured by a paper disc RAST which is quick and convenient. Levels were highest in non‐allergic bee keepers. In the presence of high levels of IgG antibody, IgE antibody levels may be underestimated.