Global View on Ant Venom Allergy: from Allergenic Components to Clinical Management

Wanandy, Troy; Mulcahy, Emily; Lau, Wun Yee; Brown, Simon G A; Wiese, Michael

doi:10.1007/s12016-021-08858-1

Cited by 8 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 246 publications

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ants are familiar inhabitants of most terrestrial environments that belong to the order Hymenoptera [ 1 ]. Stinging by social Hymenoptera and food and drug exposure account for up to 43% of anaphylaxis cases and 20% of anaphylaxis-related fatalities[ 1 ]. Ants are one of the major causes of anaphylaxis, along with honeybees and vespids, all of which belong to the order Hymenoptera .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They have stinging apparatus for prey capture, social communication, and defense against predators[ 2 ]. Approximately 19 genera of ants have been found to be associated with venom allergy in humans, but only four genera, namely Solenopsis spp., Myrmecia spp., Pachycondyla spp ., and Pogonomyrmex spp ., have been reported to cause anaphylactic reactions and even fatalities[ 1 ]. Occasional cases, especially stings by imported fire ant, have been reported in Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Switzerland[ 3 - 7 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ants, of the order Hymenoptera and family Formicidae , are social insects with 21 subfamilies and more than 13000 species[ 1 ]. Approximately 1900 ant species in 16 subfamilies have a stinging apparatus, and approximately 19 ant genera can cause venom allergy in humans[ 1 , 2 ]. Most stinging ants are not aggressive, and only four genera cause anaphylactic reactions and fatalities[ 1 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Approximately 1900 ant species in 16 subfamilies have a stinging apparatus, and approximately 19 ant genera can cause venom allergy in humans[ 1 , 2 ]. Most stinging ants are not aggressive, and only four genera cause anaphylactic reactions and fatalities[ 1 ]. Nevertheless, stinging by Hymenoptera accounts for more than 10% of all anaphylactic cases[ 2 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

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

Chen¹,

Yang²,

Lan³

et al. 2022

WJCC

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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.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%