COMPARISON OF BIOCHEMICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF VENOMS FROM 4 HORNET SPECIES

[摘要] Vemons of 2 American hornets, Vespula maculata (bald-faced hornet) andVesupla arenaria (yellow hornet), and 2 Old World hornets, Vespa crabro and Vespa orientalis, were investigated for biochemical and immunologic properties. They were similar with regard to enzymatic activities (phospholipase A, phospholipase B and hyaluronidase) and molecular composition. Analysis of radioallergosorbent test results obtained from 30 vespid-sensitive patients suggests extensive cross-reactivity between the venoms of V. arenaria, V. maculata and V. crabro, but the venom of V. orientalis seems to lack at least 1 important allergen. Rabbit antisera to each of the 4 venoms contain precipitating antibodies to all 4 venoms. Strong cross-reactivity was found between the venoms of V. maculata. V. arenaria and V. crabro and between V. crabro and V. orientalis. V. orientalis venom cross-reacts weakly with the venoms of both V. maculata and V. arenria. Diagnosis and immunotherapy with commercially available venoms of V. maculata and V. arenaria should be adequate for most patients sensitive to V. maculata, V. arenaris or V. crabro but probably not for a significant proportion of those individuals primarily sensitive to V. orientalis.