The Prevalence of Self-Reported Systemic Allergic Reaction to Hymenoptera Venom in Beekeepers Worldwide: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Tanja Carli
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of MedicineLjubljana, Slovenia
- National Institute of Public HealthLjubljana, Slovenia
Profilo Orcid, Igor Locatelli
Profilo Orcid, Mitja Košnik
- University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases GolnikSlovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Internal MedicineLjubljana, Slovenia
Profilo Orcid e Andreja Kukec
- National Institute of Public HealthLjubljana, Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Chair of Public HealthLjubljana, Slovenia
Profilo Orcid 
Categoria dell'articolo: Systematic review article
Pubblicato online: 14 giu 2024
Pagine: 152 - 159
Ricevuto: 08 mar 2024
Accettato: 19 mag 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sjph-2024-0020
Parole chiave
© 2024 Tanja Carli et al., published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.
Background
Beekeepers represent a high-allergic risk population group due to their unavoidable seasonal or persistent exposure to the elicitors of
Methods
We rigorously reviewed and conducted meta-analysis on observational studies retrieved from seven electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, ScienceDirect, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Zoological Record), spanning data from inception to August 1, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool was employed to assess the risk of bias. A meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize evidence.
Results
Out of 468 studies, eight original articles met the inclusion criteria. The estimated overall lifetime and one-year prevalence of self-reported systemic allergic reaction to bee venom were 23.7% (95% CI: 7.7–53.4) and 7.3% (95% CI: 5.8–9.2), respectively. The estimated lifetime prevalence of self-reported systemic allergic reaction to bee venom for grades III–IV (severe systemic allergic reaction) was 6.0% (95% CI: 3.0–11.7). In general, substantial heterogeneity and a high risk of bias were observed across the majority of studies. The impact of geographical location and climate differences on the estimated lifetime prevalence is suggestive for severe systemic allergic reaction.
Conclusions
Future observational cross-sectional studies should employ rigorous study designs, using validated questionnaires, and thoroughly report the observed health outcomes, verified by physicians.