Venom immunotherapy is the only treatment for the prevention of
anaphylaxis and remains the prototypical model for its diagnosis and management. Unlike other causes of
anaphylaxis, such as foods and drugs, preventative treatment using venom immunotherapy is highly effective with well-established protocols, and is widely available.
Hymenoptera venoms are also unique in that the primary
allergens are directly measurable in terms of micrograms, rather than labeled on the basis of potency. As such,
venoms were the first truly standardized extracts. However,
Hymenoptera venom presents unique challenges in collection, processing, and stabilization of the
venom extract product. Historically, there have been minor variations in insect composition in
venom extract content. These differences were in part based on variation in insect availability and
venom collection and have created minor challenges. However, it is a recognized need that
venom extracts contain an optimal and complete repertoire of relevant
venoms so as to be assured of appropriate diagnosis and treatment. As such, insect availability and collection, as well as storage, stability, and
sterility of
venom extracts, have remained critical components to appropriate diagnosis and prevention of
venom-induced
anaphylaxis. In recent years there has been concerns about adequate supplies of
venom for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of
venom allergy, but these concerns seem to have stabilized, with the movement to a single
venom supplier. This movement to a single supplier may provide its own challenges.