INSECT-VENOM ALLERGY IN GREEK ADULTS

Relatively few studies have investigated the prevalence of insect-stin g allergy and the results of diagnostic procedures in unselected popul ations. The prevalence of insect-sting reactions and of venom sensitiz ation in Greece is unknown We report the results from a stratified ran dom sample of 480 subjects (404 men, 76 women), aged 20-60 years. They all belonged to the ground personnel of the Hellenic Air Force. A det ailed history particularly focused on the reactions to Hymenoptera sti ngs was taken in all subjects. Intradermal skin tests (concentration: 1 mu g/ml) with three venoms (honeybee, paper wasp, common wasp) were performed. The prevalence of venom sensitization (one or more positive skin tests) was 32.7%. Sensitization appears to be more common (2.69 times) in those Living in rural areas than in those living in the capi tal (Athens). The prevalence of systemic reactions was 3.1% (86.7% of them had positive skin tests). Large local reactions were reported by 4.6% of the subjects (77.3% of them had positive skin tests). Asymptom atic sensitization (positive skin tests to venoms) was observed in 28. 7% of subjects with no history of an allergic sting reaction. We concl uded that the prevalence of Hymenoptera allergy and venom sensitizatio n in Greece is rather high compared to that of other countries.