Beekeepers' arthropathy

Objective, To describe the clinical, analytical, and radiological features of an observed arthropathy affecting beekeepers. Methods. Prospective study of 34 patients (32 male, 2 female), mean age 42 years (range 16 to 66 years), evaluated for the presence of acute or chroni c arthritis related to beekeeping. All patients were working and living in the same village, Fuenlabrada de los Montes (1300 habitants), where there i s a census of 180 beekeepers. An epidemiologic inquiry reported that > 50% of them reported episodes of arthritis on the hands during the month of Aug ust, at the time of honey collection. Results. Acute arthritis was observed in 10 patients. Pain, tenderness, joi nt swelling, and warmth were present in most cases. Chronic arthropathy was noted in 32 patients. Tenderness was present in 16 cases, synovial thicken ing in 12, limited joint mobility in 8, bony swelling in 15, and joint defo rmities in 13 patients. Radiological study showed periarticular soft tissue swelling, bone sclerosis, periostitis, bony erosions, subchondral cysts, g eodes, osteophytes, and joint narrowing. Conclusion. Beekeepers have joint disease apparently related to bee stings. Etiopathogenesis is unknown. Mechanical trauma, venom compounds, infection , and foreign body synovitis are factors that are thought to influence the pathogenesis of this syndrome. We designate the condition "beekeepers' arth ropathy," and consider it an occupational disorder.