The degree of sensitization of BKs against HBV is
strongly related to the annual number of stings. When
BKs are stung often, they appeared to be protected,
whereas when BKs receive few stings, they often present
allergic symptoms (Figs. 1 and 2). According to
the present data, 50 stings a year appear to be a minimal
number for protection. When BKs were stung by
more than 200 HBs a year, the allergic risk was absent

The annual
number of stings is critical because when BKs receive
less than 25 stings a year, the sensitization is maximal,
and when BKs receive more than 200 stings a
year, the desensitization is optimal.

Bousquet, J., Ménardo, J. L., Aznar, R., Robinet-Lévy, M., & Michel, F. B. (1984). Clinical and immunologic survey in beekeepers in relation to their sensitization. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 73(3), 332-340.

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