The human body is solely dependent on the protection of the immune system from foreign invaders that may cause harm to the body. It also plays a significant role in the development of allergies in which invading substances foreign to the body are identified as allergens, also referred to as antigens, and induce an inflammatory response in either a primary or secondary immune response. Secondary immune responses to allergens directly correlate to the more severe systemic reactions, however initial primary responses are necessary to propagate secondary immune responses. Hypersensitivity is the over-reaction or complete intolerance of the immune system in regards to an allergic reaction and usually occurs within a secondary immune response. (10)
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Hymenoptera insects have specifically identified allergens within their venoms. These allergens stimulate minor to severe painful inflammatory responses that begin as localized reactions but if not monitored can lead to higher risk consequences of the more serious systemic reactions (8). When hypersensitivity to Hymenoptera allergies develops and is unknown to the host, systemic reactions are more likely to occur and result in death (5,8). Hymenoptera insects sting to inject their venom which then can permeate the blood stream and connective tissues of the host (5,8). A person can develop a Hymenoptera allergy after the first administered dose of venom (2,8). Hypersensitivity is the over-reaction of the immune response to an allergy and often results in significant systemic reactions (6). If lethal doses of the venom are administered, venom toxicity overdose occurs which usually results in severe muscle and organ damage or death (6,7). Stinging insects frequently nest near agricultural and residential areas, making humans easily accessible targets for attack (3,5,9). There are treatments both long term and short term to both prevent and combat allergic reactions from both occurring and progressing (5,8,9,13). However, it is important to inform the public about Hymenoptera …show more content…
Initially, the innate immune system first identifies the type of infection (intracellular vs. extracellular) with macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Mast cells and basophils are specific cell types that are directly involved in allergic reactions, which are extracellular infections. When an allergen is present, macrophages secrete interleukins (a type of cytokine/messenger molecule) to recruit mast cells and basophils which are then signaled to release granules and create minor inflammation at the site of the infection. This reaction is immediate and is usually seen in more minor local reactions. However, in the case of multiple stings, excess venom can lead to the initiation of the adaptive immune response.
Hymenoptera insects have specifically identified allergens within their venoms. These allergens stimulate minor to severe painful inflammatory responses that begin as localized reactions but if not monitored can lead to higher risk consequences of the more serious systemic reactions (8). When hypersensitivity to Hymenoptera allergies develops and is unknown to the host, systemic reactions are more likely to occur and result in death (5,8). Hymenoptera insects sting to inject their venom which then can permeate the blood stream and connective tissues of the host (5,8). A person can develop a Hymenoptera allergy after the first administered dose of venom (2,8). Hypersensitivity is the over-reaction of the immune response to an allergy and often results in significant systemic reactions (6). If lethal doses of the venom are administered, venom toxicity overdose occurs which usually results in severe muscle and organ damage or death (6,7). Stinging insects frequently nest near agricultural and residential areas, making humans easily accessible targets for attack (3,5,9). There are treatments both long term and short term to both prevent and combat allergic reactions from both occurring and progressing (5,8,9,13). However, it is important to inform the public about Hymenoptera …show more content…
Initially, the innate immune system first identifies the type of infection (intracellular vs. extracellular) with macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Mast cells and basophils are specific cell types that are directly involved in allergic reactions, which are extracellular infections. When an allergen is present, macrophages secrete interleukins (a type of cytokine/messenger molecule) to recruit mast cells and basophils which are then signaled to release granules and create minor inflammation at the site of the infection. This reaction is immediate and is usually seen in more minor local reactions. However, in the case of multiple stings, excess venom can lead to the initiation of the adaptive immune response.