Recent Trends in Wasp Nest Removal and Hymenoptera Stings in South Korea

Severe Systemic Reactions Following Bee Sting Injuries in Korea

PURPOSE

Most bee sting injuries are benign, although sometimes they can result in life threatening outcomes, such as anaphylaxis and death. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic status of bee sting injuries in Korea and to identify risk factors associated with severe systemic reactions (SSRs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cases were extracted from a multicenter retrospective registry for patients who had visited emergency departments (EDs) for bee sting injuries. SSRs were defined as hypotension or altered mental status upon ED arrival, hospitalization, or death. Patient demographics and injury characteristics were compared between SSR and non-SSR groups. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for bee sting-associated SSRs, and the characteristics of fatality cases were summarized.

RESULTS

Among the 9673 patients with bee sting injuries, 537 had an SSR and 38 died. The most frequent injury sites included the hands and head/face. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the occurrence of SSRs was associated with male sex [odds ratio (95% confidence interval); 1.634 (1.133-2.357)] and age [1.030 (1.020-1.041)]. Additionally, the risk of SSRs from trunk and head/face stings was high [2.858 (1.405-5.815) and 2.123 (1.333-3.382), respectively]. Bee venom acupuncture [3.685 (1.408-9.641)] and stings in the winter [4.573 (1.420-14.723)] were factors that increased the risk of SSRs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasize the need for implementing safety policies and education on bee sting-related incidents to protect high-risk groups.

Proteomics of Vespa velutina nigrithorax Venom Sac Queens and Workers: A Quantitative SWATH-MS Analysis

Health risks caused by stings from Vespa velutina nigrithorax (VV), also known as the yellow-legged Asian hornet, have become a public concern, but little is known about its venom composition. This study presents the proteome profile of the VV’s venom sac (VS) based on Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS). The study also performed proteomic quantitative analysis and examined the biological pathways and molecular functions of the proteins in the VS of VV gynes (i.e., future queens [SQ]) and workers [SW]. The total protein content per VS was significantly higher in the SW than in the SQ (274 ± 54 µg/sac vs. 175 ± 22 µg/sac; p = 0.02). We quantified a total of 228 proteins in the VS, belonging to 7 different classes: Insecta (n = 191); Amphibia and Reptilia (n = 20); Bacilli, γ-Proteobacteria and Pisoniviricetes (n = 12); and Arachnida (n = 5). Among the 228 identified proteins, 66 showed significant differential expression between SQ and SW. The potential allergens hyaluronidase A, venom antigen 5 and phospholipase A1 were significantly downregulated in the SQ venom.

Long-Term Administration of Vespa velutina nigrithorax Venom Ameliorates Alzheimer’s Phenotypes in 5xFAD Transgenic Mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by progressive and irreversible impairment of cognitive functions. However, its etiology is poorly understood, and therapeutic interventions are limited. Our preliminary study revealed that wasp venom (WV) from Vespa velutina nigrithorax can prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory signaling, which is strongly implicated in AD pathogenesis. Therefore, we examined whether WV administration can ameliorate major AD phenotypes in the 5xFAD transgenic mouse model. Adult 5xFAD transgenic mice (6.5 months of age) were treated with WV by intraperitoneal injection at 250 or 400 μg/kg body weight once weekly for 14 consecutive weeks. This administration regimen improved procedural, spatial, and working memory deficits as assessed by the passive avoidance, Morris water maze, and Y-maze tasks, respectively. It also attenuated histological damage and amyloid-beta plaque formation in the hippocampal region and decreased expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors in the hippocampus and cerebrum, while it reduced oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde in the brain and liver and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in the plasma). Overall, these findings suggest that long-term administration of WV may alleviate AD-related symptoms and pathological phenotypes.

Of Fears and Budgets: Strategies of Control in Vespa velutina Invasion and Lessons for Best Management Practices

Implementing management practices for the control of invasive species can be a complex task with multiple dimensions, where the identification of stakeholders and drivers of those practices is of paramount importance. The invasive hornet Vespa velutina has spread across Europe and Asia from its native range in SE Asia in recent years. A common control method is the removal and destruction of its nests on citizens' request to call centers. In this paper we have explored the knowledge and main factors that influence the perceptions of the citizens on the species in an invaded municipality in NW Spain, as well as the management practices of the municipal emergency unit responsible for nest removal activities. Our analysis brings out multiple drivers of management practices that derive both from the citizens' and practitioners' knowledge, and highlights several points of conflict between both stakeholder groups connected to (1) the degree of service provided to the local population, (2) the risk of allergic reactions as a motive to urge removals, or (3) the quality of information provided by mass media. Our results support the crucial importance of environmental education programs that seek to increase the knowledge of the general public about the threats of invasive species. Such programs might be incorporated to implement and optimize management plans of V. velutina by enhancing communication between experts and local population.

Nidus vespae Built by an Invasive Alien Hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, Inhibits Adipose Tissue Expansion in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Nidus vespae, commonly known as the wasp nest, has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. However, the anti-obesity effects of Nidus vespae extract (NV) have not yet been reported. This study aimed to elucidate the potential anti-obesity effects of NV in vivo and in vitro, using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, respectively. NV administration to HFD-induced obese mice significantly decreased the mass and plasma lipid content of adipose tissues. Uncoupling protein-1 expression was significantly higher in the inguinal white adipose tissues of NV-treated mice than in those of HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, we found that NV inhibited the differentiation and intracellular lipid accumulation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by regulating the insulin signaling cascade, including protein kinase B, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha, and adiponectin. These findings suggest that NV may exhibit therapeutic effects against obesity by suppressing adipose tissue expansion and preadipocyte differentiation, thereby providing critical information for the development of new drugs for disease prevention and treatment. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of the anti-obesity effects of NV.

What We Know about Sting-Related Deaths? Human Fatalities Caused by Hornet, Wasp and Bee Stings in Europe (1994-2016)

Simple Summary

Information about fatalities due to stinging insects is scarce. Hymenopteran-related deaths (n = 1691) in 32 European countries based on official registers over a 23-year period (1994–2016) are described. Male adults (25–64 years) were the most common group to be fatally injured and almost half of the fatalities were recorded at “unspecified places”. Fatalities per million inhabitants per year ranged from 0 to 2.24 with an average of 0.26. Geographic, environmental, and ecological factors influence the frequency of stings, and its subsequent reaction. It is necessary to produce and interpret knowledge using diverse sources and in an interdisciplinary way. As part of the One Health philosophy, people and hornets, wasps and bees, as well as the environment that they share are closely connected.

Abstract

Epidemiology of Hymenopteran-related deaths in Europe, based on official registers from WHO Mortality Database (Cause Code of Death: X23), are presented. Over a 23-year period (1994–2016), a total of 1691 fatalities were recorded, mostly occurring in Western (42.8%) and Eastern (31.9%) Europe. The victims tended to concentrate in: Germany (n = 327; 1998–2015), France (n = 211; 2000–2014) and Romania (n = 149; 1999–2016). The majority of deaths occurred in males (78.1%) between 25–64 years (66.7%), and in an “unspecified place” (44.2%). The highest X23MR (mortality rate) were recorded in countries from Eastern Europe (0.35) followed by Western (0.28), Northern (0.23) and Southern Europe (0.2). The countries with the highest and lowest mean X23MR were Estonia (0.61), Austria (0.6) and Slovenia (0.55); and Ireland (0.05), United Kingdom (0.06) and the Netherlands (0.06), respectively. The X23 gender ratio (X23GR; male/female) of mortality varied from a minimum of 1.4 for Norway to a maximum of 20 for Slovenia. Country-by-country data show that the incidence of insect-sting mortality is low and more epidemiological data at the regional level is needed to improve our understanding of this incidence. With the expansion of non-native Hymenopteran species across Europe, allergists should be aware that their community’s exposures are continually changing

Asian Hornet, Vespa velutina Lepeletier 1836 (Hym.: Vespidae), Venom Obtention Based on an Electric Stimulation Protocol

The yellow-legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina Lepeletier 1836 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)) is naturally distributed in China, Southeast Asia, and India; however, recently it has been detected outside of its native area, confirmed as being established in South Korea, Europe, and Japan. Health risks and deaths caused by the invasive Vespa velutina stings have become a public health concern, being the most common cause of anaphylaxis due to hymenopterans in some European regions. This in turn has led to increased demand from medical practitioners and researchers for Vespa velutina venom for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In this study, a straightforward, quick, and inexpensive method for obtaining Vespa velutina venom by electric stimulation is described. The venom extracts were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR). The availability of Vespa velutina venom will lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods, mainly by venom immunotherapy (VIT), in patients allergic to this invasive species.

Defensive behavior of the invasive alien hornet, Vespa velutina, against color, hair and auditory stimuli of potential aggressors

Background

During recent years, invasion of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) has occurred in Europe, Korea and Japan, and stinging accidents often occur as some V. velutina nests are in places where humans can reach them. Misleading information regarding precautionary measures for mitigating wasp attacks has only exacerbated the situation. In this study, we sought to identify appropriate countermeasures by analyzing wasp defensive behavior, with a focus on color, hair and auditory stimuli.

Methods

Defensive behavior was analyzed using video recordings by creating an experimental frame to attach experimental bundles to nine V. velutina nests in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, South Korea. For the color experiment, eight-color and single-color tests were conducted with bundles of eight colors (black, brown, yellow, green, orange, gray, red and white), and the difference in defensive behavior was tested between black hair/hairless and green hair/black hairless configurations.

Results

When presented simultaneously with bundles of eight different colors, V. velutina showed the greatest and the longest defensive behavior against the black bundle, followed by brown. A similar response was observed in single-color tests. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the defensive behavior against black hair and black hairless, but the duration of defensive behavior was longer for black hair. A comparison between green hair and black hairless stimuli indicated that wasps are more sensitive to color than to hair texture. Vespa velutina showed no discernible responses when exposed to selected auditory stimuli (human conversation and loud music). Dark colors and dark hair are characteristic features of potential predators, to which wasps are evolutionarily predisposed, and are accordingly likely to provoke strong defensive responses. The results of this study provide scientifically credible information that can be used to base appropriate precautionary measures against wasp attacks.

First Discovery of Vespa velutina nigrithorax du Buysson (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), an Invasive Hornet in the Feces of the Yellow-Throated Marten in South Korea

Simple Summary

Invasive species can have serious economic and ecological effects. Biological controls are a way to reduce damage from invasive species. We collected 22 fecal samples from yellow-throated martens, which often prey on wasps in late autumn, from Mt. Onggangsan in Cheongdo, South Korea, to confirm the predation of the invasive alien hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax. Hornet debris was found in three samples, along with two native wasp species. The hornets were identified as one queen, four males, one female, and one individual whose caste was unclear. Therefore, because reproductive individuals were preyed upon, it is likely that yellow-throated marten predation could potentially be used for the biological control of invasive alien hornets.

Abstract

Yellow-throated martens (YTMs) are omnivores that often prey on wasps in late autumn in Korea. However, to the best of our knowledge, predation of the invasive alien species Vespa velutina nigrithorax (VVN) has not previously been investigated. In this study, YTM feces were collected and analyzed from Mt. Onggangsan, Sinwon-ri, Cheongdo, South Korea, where VVN density was high and YTMs were active. Surveys were conducted three times between October and December 2019, during which a total of 22 samples were collected. Debris from VVN was found in three samples, along with evidence of two indigenous wasps, Vespa crabro and Vespula koreensis. The VVN remains were identified as one queen, four males, one female, and one individual whose caste was unclear. Martens prey on wasps, owing to a sudden decrease in plant food sources from late autumn to early winter, mostly eating males and new queens attempting to mate. If VVN reproduction is prevented or disturbed by YTM predation, there may be potential biological control effects in areas with high VVN density. Further studies should be conducted to verify whether there is a practical biological control effect.

Human Fatalities Caused by Hornet, Wasp and Bee Stings in Spain: Epidemiology at State and Sub-State Level from 1999 to 2018

Simple Summary

Although not frequent, hornet, wasp, and bee stings may be life-threatening. Over the 20-year period studied, a total of 78 fatalities were recorded in Spain, the annual mortality rates ranging from 0.02 to 0.19 per million inhabitants. The fatal events mainly affected men over 65 years of age, and took place in summertime, at “unspecified places”. At regional level, the deaths tended to concentrate in three communities: Galicia, Andalucía, and Castilla y León. Surprisingly, Galicia showed high mortality rates in hornet stings. The implication of the invasive species Vespa velutina, also known as the Asian hornet, is examined. In light of the findings, there is evidence to consider the health-related importance and consequences of Vespa velutina.

Abstract

Epidemiology of fatalities in Spain due to hornet, wasp, and bee stings (Cause Code of Death: X23) is described. Over a 20-year period (1999–2018), a total of 78 fatalities were recorded, mostly occurring in males (85.9%), of 65 years and older (52.6%), at “unspecified places” (67.9%), and in the months of July and August (50%). The X23 mortality rates (X23_MR) expressed in terms of annual rates and per million inhabitants, varied from 0.02 to 0.19 (mean value ± standard deviation = 0.09 ± 0.05), placing Spain at low levels in comparison with other countries. A more detailed and specific breakdown of the distribution of the yearly deaths at the sub-state level and across communities reveals some striking features. They were more concentrated in the communities of Galicia (35.8%), Andalucía (21.7%), and Castilla y León (12.8%). X23_MR were estimated in Galicia at 1.82, 1.10, and 2.22 in 2014, 2016, and 2018, respectively; and in Asturias at 1.88 and 0.97, in 2014 and 2017, respectively. The role of the invasive species Vespa velutina (VV) is examined. Due to its habits, abundance, and broader distribution, the risk that VV represents to human health is unmatched by other Hymenoptera native species.

Interspecific hierarchies from aggressiveness and body size among the invasive alien hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, and five native hornets in South Korea

The range of the invasive alien hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, has been expanding since its introduction to Korea in 2003. Here, we compare the aggressive behaviors and body size of V. velutina nigrithorax with five native hornet species to identify the interspecific hierarchies that influence the rate of spread of this species. Aggressive behaviors were classified into 11 categories, and each interaction was scored as a win, loss, or tie. We found that V. velutina was superior to V. simillima in fights that V. velutina won and showed a high incidence of threatening behavior. V. mandarinia outperformed V. velutina in fights that V. mandarinia won and grappling behavior was common. V. analis was superior to V. velutina in fights that V. analis won and showed a high degree of threatening behavior. V. crabro was superior to V. velutina in fights that V. crabro won and showed a high rate of threatening behavior. V. dybowskii was superior to V. velutina in fights that V. dybowskii won and showed a high incidence of threatening and grappling behaviors. The body size of V. velutina was greater than V. simillima (although not statistically significant) and smaller than all other Vespa species. Therefore, according to this study, the low interspecific hierarchies of V. velutina seem to be a major cause of the slower spread in Korea than in Europe. However, over time, its density has gradually increased within the forest, where it seems to be overcoming its disadvantages and expanding its range, possibly because the large colonies and good flying abilities of this species help it secure food.

Diversity of compounds in Vespa spp. venom and the epidemiology of its sting: a global appraisal

Poisonous animals imply a risk to human life, because their venom is a complex mixture of low molecular weight components, peptides and proteins. Hornets use the venom for self-defence, to repel intruders and to capture prey, but they can cause poisoning and allergic reactions to people. In particular, they seem to be a health problem in the countries where they are native due to their sting, which in the most severe cases can lead to severe or fatal systemic anaphylaxis. But this situation is being an emerging problem for new countries and continents because hornet incursions are increasing in the global change scenario, such as in Europe and America. Furthermore, 55 detailed cases of hornet sting were found in 27 papers during the current review where 36.4% died due to, mainly, a multi-organ failure, where renal failure and liver dysfunction were the most common complications. Moreover, the great taxonomic, ecological diversity, geographical distribution and the wide spectrum of pathophysiological symptoms of hornets have been the focus of new research. Considering this, the present systematic review summarizes the current knowledge about the components of Vespa venom and the epidemiology of its sting to serve as reference for the new research focused on the development of techniques for diagnosis, new drugs and treatments of its sting.

Nutritional Value of the Larvae of the Alien Invasive Wasp Vespa velutina nigrithorax and Amino Acid Composition of the Larval Saliva

The systematic investigations on the value of social wasps as a food resource are deficient, in spite of the long history of the utilization of social wasps as food and pharmaceutical bioresources. Vespa velutina nigrithorax is an invasive alien wasp species that is currently dominating in East Asia and Europe, bringing huge economic damages. As a control over alien species is made when the valuable utilization of the invasive species as a potential resource are discovered, investigations on the potential of V. v. nigrithorax as a useful bioresource are also in demand. Nutritional and heavy metal analyses of the larvae revealed their balanced and rich nutritional value and safety as a food resource. The larval saliva amino acid composition was investigated for further study on amino acid supplementation and exercise enhancement.

The mitochondrial genome of a social wasp, Vespa simillima simillima (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

We analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of a social wasp, Vespa simillima simillima from South Korea prior to a systematic study on Korean Vespidae. The mitogenome is 16,740 bp in length, includes 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and a 228 bp short A + T-rich region. The overall base composition is 82.0% AT and 18.0% GC. The maximum-likelihood analysis suggested that V. s. simillima is closely related to V. bicolor, another species of Vespidae.

Notes on the Nest Architecture and Colony Composition in Winter of the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet, Vespa velutina Lepeletier 1836 (Hym.: Vespidae), in Its Introduced Habitat in Galicia (NW Spain)

Fifteen years ago, at least one multimated female yellow-legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina Lepeletier 1836) arrived in France, giving rise to a pan-European invasion, altering the environment, affecting ecosystem processes, and impacting society. During winter, V. velutina nests (n = 3) were collected in Galicia and data on internal and external aspects of the nests and the colony as a whole were collected. The whole colony population (WCP_N; adult insects, larvae, and pupae in percentages) was as follows: nest A: n = 176 (49%, 3%, and 48%); nest B: n = 1979 (52%, 36%, and 12%); and nest C: n = 662 (5%, 27%, and 8%). The adult insect population (IAP_N; males, workers, and gynes in percentages) was as follows: nest A: n = 87 (11%, 66%, and 23%); nest B: n = 1021 (3%, 62%, and 35%); and nest C: n = 430 (20%, 73%, and 7%). As a small number of queens is sufficient for a population to develop, it is necessary to avoid continued spread by deactivating and removing all nests, even those detected in winter. This practice can be of greatest importance in border areas where V. velutina is expanding into new territory.