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Venom Immunotherapy — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateRheumatologyVenom ImmunotherapyRACP Adult Medicine

A 35-year-old woman recovers from an anaphylactic reaction to an insect sting in ED. Symptoms have fully resolved after IM adrenaline. She is well with stable observations after 4 hours of monitoring. She has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector. What is the most important long-term recommendation?

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Correct answer: B — Referral to clinical immunology/allergy for venom immunotherapy

After anaphylaxis from insect venom (bee, wasp), referral to a clinical immunologist for venom immunotherapy (VIT) is strongly recommended. VIT reduces the risk of future anaphylaxis from ~60% to <5% and is one of the most effective forms of allergen immunotherapy. It is typically given for 3–5 years. An adrenaline auto-injector must be carried in the interim.

Reference: ASCIA – 2024 – Anaphylaxis; Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy