Insect bite reactions

Abstract

Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods. Insect bite reactions are commonly seen in clinical practice. The present review touches upon the medically important insects and their places in the classification, the sparse literature on the epidemiology of insect bites in India, and different variables influencing the susceptibility of an individual to insect bites. Clinical features of mosquito bites, hypersensitivity to mosquito bites Epstein-Barr virus NK (HMB-EBV-NK) disease, eruptive pseudoangiomatosis, Skeeter syndrome, papular pruritic eruption of HIV/AIDS, and clinical features produced by bed bugs, Mexican chicken bugs, assassin bugs, kissing bugs, fleas, black flies, Blandford flies, louse flies, tsetse flies, midges, and thrips are discussed. Brief account is presented of the immunogenic components of mosquito and bed bug saliva. Papular urticaria is discussed including its epidemiology, the 5 stages of skin reaction, the SCRATCH principle as an aid in diagnosis, and the recent evidence supporting participation of types I, III, and IV hypersensitivity reactions in its causation is summarized. Recent developments in the treatment of pediculosis capitis including spinosad 0.9% suspension, benzyl alcohol 5% lotion, dimethicone 4% lotion, isopropyl myristate 50% rinse, and other suffocants are discussed within the context of evidence derived from randomized controlled trials and key findings of a recent systematic review. We also touch upon a non-chemical treatment of head lice and the ineffectiveness of egg-loosening products. Knockdown resistance (kdr) as the genetic mechanism making the lice nerves insensitive to permethrin is discussed along with the surprising contrary clinical evidence from Europe about efficacy of permethrin in children with head lice carrying kdr-like gene. The review also presents a brief account of insects as vectors of diseases and ends with discussion of prevention of insect bites and some serious adverse effects of mosquito coil smoke.

Insect bite reaction and HIV infection

“…Protection against mosquitoes by using netting, synthetic pyrethroid mats, coils, liquidators and insect repellents like diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) and dimethylphthalate (DMP), at night may help. [5] …”

Immunoreactivity to Meissner corpuscles and dermal nerves in a bullous arthropod bite reaction

“…associated with the bite or sting.Some individuals have severe clinical reactions to the stings of bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and or other insects [3]. These stings may require emergency treatment for anaphylactic reactions.…”

Papular urticaria: A review of causal agents in Colombia

“…La urticaria papular es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica causada por la exposición a la picadura de artrópodos, siendo los mosquitos y las pulgas los agentes causales más comunes, aunque se sabe de otros insectos capaces de producir una reacción cutánea similar (9). Esta reacción de hipersensibilidad se puede manifestar más comúnmente con pápulas, pero también, con ronchas, vesículas, ampollas y costras.…”