Ant sting-induced whole-body pustules in an inebriated male: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Many ant species can harm humans; however, only a few cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Normally, reactions caused by ants occur in patients who come into contact with ant venom. Venom contains various biologically active peptides and protein components, of which acids and alkaloids tend to cause anaphylaxis. Ant venom can cause both immediate and delayed reactions. The main histopathological changes observed in ant hypersensitivity are eosinophil recruitment and Th2 cytokine production. CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old man was bitten by a large number of ants when he was in a drunken stupor and was hospitalized at a local hospital. Five days later, because of severe symptoms, the patient was transferred to our hospital for treatment. Numerous pustules were observed interspersed throughout the body, with itching and pain reported. He had experienced fever, vomiting, hematochezia, mania, soliloquy, sleep disturbances, and elevated levels of myocardial enzymes since the onset of illness. The patient had a history of hypertension for more than 1 year, and his blood pressure was within the normal range after hypotensive drug treatment. He had no other relevant medical history. Based on the clinical history of an ant bite and its clinical manifestations, the patient was diagnosed with an ant venom allergy. The patient was treated with 60 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d, 40 mg methylprednisolone for 3 d, and 20 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d. Oral antihistamines and diazepam were administered for 12 d and 8 d, respectively. Cold compresses were used to treat the swelling during the process. After 12 d of treatment, most pustules became crusts, whereas some had faded away. No symptoms of pain, itching, or psychological disturbances were reported during the follow-up visits within 6 mo. CONCLUSION This case report emphasizes the dangers of ant stings.

Natural toxins and One Health: a review

“…A twenty one-year old man developed acute renal failure caused by haemolytic-uremic syndrome due to fire ants bites [ 130 ]. A seventy-year old man bitten by a large number of ants presented with numerous pustules all over his body with itching and pain complains [ 131 ]. Solenopsins obtained from fire ant venoms could be beneficial to human health as it possesses insect repellant, insecticidal and necrotic properties in addition to other alkaloids present in fire ant venoms with reported antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria [ 13 ].…”

Bioactivity Profiling of In Silico Predicted Linear Toxins from the Ants Myrmica rubra and Myrmica ruginodis

“…Like many hymenopterans, most ants carry a functional ovipositor-derived venom system that is used primarily for defense and hunting, although it has been reduced to an acid-spraying system in some non-stinging ants. Ant venoms are surprisingly potent, and several ant species cause severe pain or anaphylactic shock even in large victims, including humans [4][5][6][7][8][9].…”