IgE and IgG antibodies to bee venom as measured by a modification of the RAST method

The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) has been widely used in studying allergy to hymenoptera stings, but with variable results. We report here a modification of the RAST method which in a total of 157 bee keepers and family members, gave a close correlation between a positive RAST, and a history of generalized (100%) or localized (95%) allergic reactions. There was no positive RAST among forty-nine non-atopic control subjects but a striking finding was that 58% of non-allergic bee keepers had significant, but usually low, levels of IgE antibody to bee venom. IgG antibodies to bee venom have also been measured by a paper disc RAST which is quick and convenient. Levels were highest in non-allergic bee keepers. In the presence of high levels of IgG antibody, IgE antibody levels may be underestimated.