Which statement most accurately describes the current state of scientific knowledge regarding apitherapy by injection of bee venom (Bee Venom Therapy, BVT)?
- BVT has robust and reproducible clinical efficacy comparable to venom immunotherapy (VIT).
- BVT is a standardized form of immunotherapy based on validated protocols.
- The literature on BVT mainly shows limited clinical effects that are strongly influenced by methodological bias.
- BVT is recommended as a therapeutic alternative for beekeepers allergic to bee venom.
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Correct answer: 3
Explanation: A critical analysis of the literature shows that apitherapy by injection of bee venom is affected by numerous methodological biases, including selection, survivorship and causality biases, as well as a strong sensitivity to placebo effects. Protocols are heterogeneous and not standardized, which prevents any robust and reproducible demonstration of clinical benefit. In contrast to venom immunotherapy, BVT is not based on validated recommendations nor on proven efficacy in the prevention or treatment of clearly defined diseases. The other statements are incorrect because they attribute to BVT a level of evidence, standardization or recommendation that the text explicitly excludes.
See also:
► Bee stings, allergic risk and development of tolerance