MODERN METHODS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF INSECT ALLERGY

Insect allergy, caused by sensitization to the venom of Hymenoptera insects (bees, wasps, hornets), is one of the leading causes of systemic allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in children and adults. The diagnosis of this condition is a complex process that includes clinical history, skin tests, determination of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to whole venom extracts, and molecular (component-resolved) allergy diagnostics. The aim of this review is to systematize modern methods for diagnosing insect allergy, evaluate their diagnostic value, and assess their role in forming rational patient evaluation algorithms. The review analyzes domestic and international literature published over the last 10–15 years, including clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The advantages and limitations of conventional methods, the effectiveness of component-resolved diagnostics, the role of biomarkers for severe reactions, and the potential integration of modern approaches into personalized patient management are discussed. Conclusions: An integrated approach to insect allergy diagnosis, combining clinical assessment, conventional laboratory methods, and component-resolved diagnostics, ensures the highest accuracy in identifying clinically relevant sensitization, reduces the frequency of false-positive results, and allows for evidence-based personalized patient management, including optimization of allergy prevention and therapeutic strategies.