AN OVERVIEW ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HONEY BEE KEEPING

Airborne allergens play important role in the development of respiratory allergic diseases, particularly asthma and rhinitis. Allergens from various sources like pollen, fungi, insects, house dust mites, domestic pets are some of the triggering factors. Respiratory allergies are prevalent among all populations all over the world. Epidemiological studies carried out in different countries reports the prevalence of respiratory allergy from 15% to 30%. Occupational exposure to various allergens at work places may affect the health of the workers and can be a financial burden. This is also true for the honey bee allergies among the bee keepers. Honeybee venom allergy is the common form of allergy and is prevalent in children, beekeepers and their family members. Several studies have provided explanations about the relationship between allergic sensitization, allergen exposure and other clinical observations. This review explores a large number of studies investigating prevalence and immunological aspects of development of antibody response towards bee proteins with a focus on explaining the cause of tolerance.