Poisoning by bee sting

Among the human pathologies produced by venomous animals, bee stings constitute the largest number of accidents in several countries, exceeding the mortality rate caused by other venomous animals such as snakes, spiders or scorpions. The clinical picture after the bee sting may include anaphylaxis o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inGaceta médica de México Vol. 141; no. 3; p. 215
Main Authors de Roodt, Adolfo R, Salomón, Oscar D, Orduna, Tomás A, Robles Ortiz, Luis E, Paniagua Solís, Jorge F, Alagón Cano, Alejandro
Format Journal Article
LanguageSpanish
Published Mexico 01.05.2005
Subjects
Animals
Bee Venoms - chemistry
Bee Venoms - pharmacology
Bees
Humans
Insect Bites and Stings - diagnosis
Insect Bites and Stings - therapy
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Summary:Among the human pathologies produced by venomous animals, bee stings constitute the largest number of accidents in several countries, exceeding the mortality rate caused by other venomous animals such as snakes, spiders or scorpions. The clinical picture after the bee sting may include anaphylaxis or poisoning. The latter is produced by massive attacks and is a serious problem that may put the patient's life at risk. People that are poisoned display hemolysis, rhabdomiolysis and acute renal failure that together with other systemic failures can bring about death. The knowledge of the physiopathological mechanisms involved in the massive attack of bees is crucial for health care professionals as to date we do not have antivenoms with proven clinical efficacy. In this review we include the bee's biological aspects, venom composition and its relation with the occurrence and severity of accidents as well as epidemiological data that can be useful for this type of accidents.
ISSN:0016-3813