Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for immunoglobulin G antibodies against insect venoms

Abstract IgG "blocking" antibodies were measured in patients receiving insect venom immunotherapy. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) described herein was found to be sensitive and reproducible. Results with ELISA correlated well with values obtained with a radioimmunoassay and with inhibition of the release of histamine from sensitive basophils. Also, specific antibody titers against phospholipase A and whole bee venom were correlated. Serial determinations of venom-specific IgG antibodies were made in 17 patients receiving Polistes wasp or bee venom immunotherapy. The majority of patients showed a rise in IgG antibodies, which peaked after administration of approximately 500 μg of venom. Only one out of 13 of these venom-treated patients had allergic symptoms after an insect sting while on maintenance therapy.