Background
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood tests are used to detect sensitizations and potential allergies. Recent studies suggest that specific IgE sensitization patterns due to molecular interactions affect an individual's risk of developing allergic symptoms.
Conclusion
Our study was able to unmask non-linear sensitization patterns for specific IgE tests in Hymenoptera venom allergy. We were able to derive risk clusters for anaphylactic reactions following hymenoptera stings and pinpoint relevant allergens (rApi m 10, rVes v 1, whole bee, and wasp venom) for clustering.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 257 hunters or fishers with self-filled surveys on previous Hymenoptera stings were analyzed. Blood samples were taken to determine Hymenoptera IgE sensitization levels. Using dimensionality reduction and clustering, specific IgE for 10 Hymenoptera venom allergens were evaluated for clinical relevance.
Objective
The aim of this study was to reveal specific IgE sensitization patterns and investigate their clinical implications in Hymenoptera venom allergy.
Results
Three clusters were unmasked using novel dimensionality reduction and clustering methods solely based on specific IgE levels to Hymenoptera venom allergens. These clusters show different characteristics regarding previous systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings.