[Acute kidney failure due to stings by Africanized bees].

Abstract

Africanized bees are unique in their aggressive behavior, characterized by massive attacks during which the victims are injected an important amount of venom. For this reason, Africanized bees are extremely dangerous. Their venom contains biological toxic substances, mainly mellitin, phospholipases, histamine, hyaluronidase and apamin. Non-sensitized persons that survive a massive attack may develop acute renal failure, as a consequence of the severe hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis and shock. These complications may lead to acute renal tubular necrosis. Also, the clinical pattern and treatment of the acute renal failure secondary to bee stings are discussed.