Multiple choice

A wasp's stinger contains venom that is transmitted to humans during a sting. Which of the following statements regarding wasp venom desensitisation is correct?

  1. Wasp venom desensitisation is only indicated if there is a history of two or more severe reactions to wasp stings.

  2. Wasp venom desensitisation is associated with adverse reactions in less than 30% of treated patients.

  3. It is effective after a 5-week course of injections.

  4. It is only successful in those in whom total serum IgE levels are reduced.

  5. It is probably effective by increasing levels of antigen specific Tregs.
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E Correct answer
Explanation

Wasp venom desensitisation is probably effective by increasing levels of antigen specific Tregs (as well as the production of specific blocking IgG antibodies) and so inhibiting CD4 T cells in their production of IL-4 and IL-13 that aid IgE production.

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