Risks of Immunotherapy with Insect Venom

To the Editor: The study by Hunt et al.¹ should settle the question of the proper management of patients with insect hypersensitivity. By the use of a single-blind protocol, intentional insect-sting challenge and monitoring of IgG blocking antibody response, the authors unequivocally demonstrate the effectiveness of venom-sac extracts over whole-body extracts. This study analyzed patients with allergic reactions to honeybee and yellow-jacket stings, whereas the principal culprit in regions of the southern United States is the paper nest wasp of the genus polistes.² In a small group of patients, we have shown that polistes venom is also effective in diagnosing. No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.