Tolerance in Beekeepers
ConditionBee Sting
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorUniversity Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust
About this trial
Beekeepers experience multiple bee stings each year. Many of these beekeepers (25-60%) become sensitized to bee venom through the production of specific antibodies that target the bee venom. Although these antibodies are important in the triggering of an allergic reaction only a small number of sensitised beekeepers go on to have an allergic reaction with symptoms away from the site of the sting. These reactions can be severe and are known as anaphylactic reactions.
The study investigates why some beekeepers develop severe allergic symptoms after bee stings while others do not.
This study will explore factors in the blood that protect sensitised individuals from having anaphylactic reactions - meaning that despite being sensitised they are tolerant and do not react to subsequent stings.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Individuals naive to beekeeping (<2 previous bee stings, none in the last 24 months)
no history of anaphylaxis to stings. Group 2 inclusion criteria.
Beekeepers with > approximately 10 stings/year who have been beekeeping for >3 years.
No history of anaphylaxis to bee venom. Group 3 inclusion criteria
Disqualifiers
Unable to understand protocol/consent.
Unable to commit to follow up visits.
Participants with a known history of mastocytosis or under investigation for suspected mastocytosis.
Participants undergoing desensitisation treatment to bee venom before the first visit.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- skin prick test
- Blood tests
Treatment groups
120 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsSponsors and collaborators
University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust
Lead sponsor
University of Plymouth
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov