RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Tolerance in Beekeepers

Beekeepers often get stung and many become sensitive to bee venom, meaning they have special antibodies in their blood. However, only a small number of these sensitive beekeepers go on to have severe allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, which can be very serious. This study wants to understand why some sensitive beekeepers don't get these severe reactions, even after many stings, while others do. We'll look closely at their blood to discover what natural protective factors might be at play. By comparing beekeepers who react badly to those who tolerate stings, we hope to find new ways to understand and perhaps prevent severe allergic reactions to bee venom in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust

Enrolment target

120

Start

22 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2027

Bee Sting

What is this study about?

Imagine you're a beekeeper, getting stung quite often. Your body might start to produce special defenders called antibodies against the bee venom. This means you've become 'sensitised' to bee venom. While many beekeepers become sensitised, most don't develop serious allergic reactions – they seem to tolerate the stings fine. However, a small group of sensitised beekeepers can have very severe reactions, sometimes called anaphylaxis, which affect their whole body and can be dangerous.

This study aims to unlock the mystery of why some sensitised beekeepers stay healthy after stings, while others have severe reactions. We believe there are natural protecting factors within their bodies, specifically in their blood, that stop these severe reactions from happening. By comparing beekeepers who react badly to those who cope well with stings, we hope to identify these protective mechanisms.

By understanding what makes some people tolerate bee stings despite being sensitised, we can learn more about how our immune system works and why allergies sometimes develop. This research could eventually help us find new ways to prevent or treat severe allergic reactions, not just to bee stings, but potentially to other allergens too.

Key takeaways

This study explores why some beekeepers tolerate stings while others have severe reactions.
It aims to find natural protective factors in the blood that prevent severe allergic reactions.
Researchers will compare blood samples from three groups of people: new beekeepers, experienced beekeepers who don't react badly, and those who have had severe reactions.
The results could help us understand allergies better and potentially lead to new treatments for severe reactions.
Participation involves blood tests and skin prick tests, but no intentional bee stings.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for three main groups of people. The first group includes individuals who are very new to beekeeping – they've had less than two bee stings in their life and none in the last two years, and they've never had a severe allergic reaction to a sting.

The second group consists of experienced beekeepers who get stung fairly often (about 10 times a year or more) and have been beekeeping for at least three years. Importantly, these beekeepers must not have a history of severe allergic reactions to bee stings. Finally, the third group includes beekeepers who have been diagnosed with a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bee venom within the last year and have specific signs in their blood and skin tests showing they are sensitive to bee venom.

There are also some reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you can't understand what the study involves or can't make it to follow-up appointments. You also can't take part if you have a condition called mastocytosis, are currently undergoing treatment to reduce your sensitivity to bee venom, or are taking medications that suppress your immune system.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you fit into one of these groups: a new beekeeper (less than 2 stings ever, none recently, no severe reactions); an experienced beekeeper who's never had a severe reaction; or a beekeeper diagnosed with a severe reaction in the last year?
Are you able to understand the study information and attend follow-up visits?
Are you free from conditions like mastocytosis, and are you not currently having treatment for bee venom allergy or taking immune-suppressing medicines?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves a few visits where we will collect blood samples from you. You will also have a skin prick test to see how you react to bee venom. These tests help us understand your body's response to bee stings. We will collect information about your beekeeping history and any reactions you've had. The study does not involve taking any new medication or getting stung on purpose. You will need to commit to follow-up visits as required by your group. The overall length of your involvement will depend on which group you fit into. More detailed information will be given to you by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not offer direct personal health benefits, but your contribution is really important for scientific knowledge. Learning more about how the body reacts to bee stings could help others in the future. We will take blood samples and perform skin tests, which have small, common risks like minor discomfort or bruising. For the skin prick test, there's a very small chance of a mild allergic reaction, but trained staff will be present to manage this. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Derriford Hospital - University Hospitals Plymouth
Verified postcode
Plymouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'sensitised' to bee venom?

It means your body has produced special defenders (antibodies) against bee venom, even if you don't always show symptoms.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a very severe, body-wide allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and needs urgent medical help.

Will I be stung during the study?

No, you will not be stung as part of this study. Your blood samples and medical history will provide the necessary information.

Who is funding this research?

This information was not provided in the original text, but you should ask the research team for details if interested.

What are the T cells mentioned?

T cells are a type of white blood cell that are very important for your immune system, helping to control how your body reacts to things like bee venom.

How to find out more

Jane Evely

j.evely@nhs.net 441752431816 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.