Survey on the proper use of an adrenaline auto-injector in 551 Japanese outdoor workers after Hymenoptera stings

Dear Editor, Hymenoptera stings are an occupational hazard for forest workers and beekeepers, and often lead to allergic reactions. Specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) antibodies to Hymenoptera venom are present in approximately 40% of Japanese forestry workers and 72% of Japanese beekeepers. Administration of adrenaline is vital for prevention of anaphylactic shock after Hymenoptera stings. Recently, we reported that around 6-33% of Japanese outdoor workers (forestry workers, building contractors, and electrical facility field workers) and 11% of Japanese beekeepers with sIgE antibodies to Hymenoptera venom had been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector. In addition, only 23-57% of Japanese outdoor workers and 29% of Japanese beekeepers with a history of a systemic reaction to a Hymenoptera sting and positive sIgE to Hymenoptera venom had been prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors. Furthermore, only 30-50% of Japanese outdoor workers and 30% of Japanese beekeepers with a history of a systemic reaction to a Hymenoptera sting usually carried an adrenaline auto-injector.