A novel inhalation allergen present in the working environment of beekeepers

Abstract

Honey bees (including the larva stadium) and Varroa mite contain a 13-kDa protein causing an allergic reaction. Presently, there is no evidence whether the case described is a singular phenomenon or whether this allergen is a more common inducer of allergies among subjects exposed to honey bees. However, a bee and Varroa mite allergy has to be considered for beekeepers after exclusion of known inhalation allergies.

Propolis: Is there a potential for the development of new drugs?

“…Propolis is non-toxic, and the safe concentration for humans would be approximately 1.4 mg/kg and day or 70 mg/day (Burdock, 1998). However, cases of allergy and contact dermatitis to propolis have been always reported (Sforcin, 2007), mainly among beekeepers (Rudeschko et al, 2004;Gulbahar et al, 2005). Rajpara et al (2009) mentioned that the increased incidence of contact dermatitis over the last two decades is likely to be due to its use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations.…”

Mite allergens

“…Other parasitic mites that have been involved in allergic reactions in humans are Varroa (a bee parasite) [46] and Diplaegidia (feather mites of domestic birds) [47]. Other genera and species that can induce cutaneous problems are phytophagous mites of the family Tydeidae (Pronematus davisi) [48], parasites of insects of the family Pyemotidae (Pyemotes) [49], parasites of birds or rodents, such as Ornithonyssus, Dermanyssus, and Androlaelaps [50], parasites of mammalians (Trombiculidae, Cheyletiellidae, and Psoroptes) [51,52], and parasites of human hair follicles, such as Demodex spp.…”

Propolis and the immune system: a review

“…Beekeepers usually show sensitivity to propolis (Rudeschko et al, 2004;Gulbahar et al, 2005). Ethanol and water extracts of propolis possess antiallergic action, inhibiting histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells (Miyataka et al, 1998).…”