Vespa
Vespa crabro (VC ) (European hornet) is widely distributed
across Europe and Asia and has been introduced in the USA. Stings are
rare, and systemic sting reactions usually follow previous stings from
other vespids, especially Vespula .14 However,
one small study suggested that the risk of a life-threatening reaction
after a VC sting was higher compared to honey bee orVespula stings in Mediterranean countries.15
Vespa velutina (VV ) is endemic to Southeast Asia and has
rapidly spread across Europe after accidental introductions in France
from China in 2004.16 They are known for their large
colonies, an extensive foraging radius, and intense predation on
honey bees at the hive.17,18 The first case of
anaphylaxis due to VV in Spain was reported in
2014.19 Since then, VV has become the most
common cause of Hymenoptera anaphylaxis in the Northwest of Spain
because of their more aggressive behavior. Seventy-seven percent of
patients identified VV as the culprit insect for the reaction;
most cases report no previous Vespula stings. More than 47,000
nests have been identified in 2018 compared to 769 in
2014.20
Vespa affinis (lesser banded hornet), is a common hornet in
tropical and subtropical Asia. Anaphylaxis appears to be
rare21 although a case of fatal anaphylaxis in a child
has been published.22 However, multiple stings with
resulting acute renal failure occur frequently.23Vespa orientalis (VO) is located in Southwest Asia and Northeast
Africa. Similar to Vespa affinis, anaphylaxis is rare but
multiorgan dysfunction after multiple stings has been
documented.24