SERUM SICKNESS REACTION FOLLOWING MULTIPLE INSECT STINGS

Background: Anaphylaxis is the most common systemic allergic reaction caused by stinging insects. Serum sickness reactions occur much less f requently. Objective: To determine the level of venom-specific IgG and IgE antibodies during and after a serum sickness reaction to vespid v enom. Methods: Case report; ELISA determination of venom-specific IgG and IgE; complement levels and tests for immune complexes were perform ed. Results: We report the case of a 66-year-old woman who developed a serum sickness reaction nine days after receiving multiple vespid sti ngs. She developed urticaria, angioedema, fever, and arthralgias, She had elevated IgG and IgE venom-specific titers which declined during t he recovery phase. Complement levels were normal and tests for immune complexes were negative, She was successfully treated with venom-speci fic immunotherapy without any serum sickness reaction. Conclusions: A serum sickness reaction with elevated venom-specific IgG and IgE is re ported with successful immunotherapy.