MUCOCUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF WASP VENO M ALLERGY - MODALITIES OF SPECIFIC IMMUNOTHERAPY

Allergic manifestations induced by wasp stings are usually cutaneous a nd/or mucosal. They are either local and benign, or occur away from th e sling, systemic, isolated or associated with other life-threatening respiratory or cardiovascular anaphylactic reactions. The clinical sig ns and diagnostic methods able to specify their IgE-dependent mechanis m must be well known in view of the frequency and potential severity o f these reactions. Delayed skin reactions suggest an immunological mec hanism. The efficacy of specific immunotherapy on the prevention of sy stemic relapse following another sting and its good safety justify a g ood knowledge of its indications and modalities.