Acute Kidney Injury and Intravascular Haemolysis Complicating Multiple Bee Stings in a Nigerian Child: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

The honey bee is a winged insect of the genus Apis known for its role in pollination and more importantly in the production of honey. However, stings from bees are not uncommon in our environment. A myriad of complications can arise from bee sting which increase in severity, with prognosis proportionate to an increase in the dose of inoculated venom. The complication of the stings ranges from local skin reaction and anaphylaxis to multiple organ failure including acute kidney injury (AKI). Bee sting has been identified as a causative agent of nephrotoxic acute tubular necrosis which may lead to AKI. We report a 3-year-old boy with AKI and features of intravascular haemolysis following multiple bee stings who recovered well with conservative management.