چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background: Forestry and field workers who work outdoors are at high risk for Hymenoptera stings and may
develop occupation-related allergies from being stung. However, clinical and immunological surveys of Hymenoptera
stings in the occupational setting have rarely been reported. We surveyed the natural history of Hymenoptera
stings in Japanese forestry workers (FWs) and electrical facility field workers (EFFWs), and we assessed
the utility of measuring specific (s)IgE Ab to Hymenptera venom.
Methods: Questionnaires on hornet and paper wasp stings were completed by 999 FWs, 354 EFFWs, and
365 office workers as controls between July and November 2009. Sera from these participants were tested for
sIgE Ab levels to Hymenptera venom with a CAP system using a fluoroenzyme immunoassay.
Results: Of the participants who had experienced Hymenoptera stings, 914 (91.5%) were FWs, 293 (82.8%)
were EFFWs, and 295 (80.8%) were controls. Of the participants who had experienced systemic reactions, 210
(21.0%) were FWs, 51 (14.4%) were EFFWs, and 39 (10.7%) were controls. sIgE Ab in response to hornet and
wasp venom was positive (class 2) in 42.4% and 41.4% of FWs, 30.1% and 31.4% of EFFWs, and 15.1% and
18.1% of controls, respectively. The likelihood of being sIgE-positive to wasp and hornet venom was significantly
higher in FWs and EFFWs than in controls (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: 21% of FWs and 14% of EFFWs had experienced systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings
with a higher frequency compared with office workers in the same area. 40% of FWs and 30% of EFFWs had
sera that were sIgE positive to Hymenoptera venom.