Acute anaphylaxis after red fire ant bite

Sora Yasri, Viroj Wiwanitkit

1Primary Care Unit, KMT Center, Bangkok Thailand

2Visiting Professor, Hainan Medical University, China

Acute anaphylaxis after red fire ant bite

Sora Yasri1*, Viroj Wiwanitkit2

1Primary Care Unit, KMT Center, Bangkok Thailand

2Visiting Professor, Hainan Medical University, China

1. Introduction

Sir, the problem of anaphylaxis caused by an insect bite is an important problem in emergency medicine. The common problematic insects are bee, wasp, etc. Focusing on ant, it is rarely mentioned. However, the ant anaphylaxis is actually existed and should not be forgotten[1-3]. Of interest, ant bite can result in severe anaphylaxis and can result in death[4,5]. Here, the author summarized the nature of acute anaphylaxis due to red fire ant (Solenopsis geminata) bite in our setting. Within in 5 years in our medical center (2008-2013), there are 4 cases (3 females and 1 male, age 18-32 years old) of acute anaphylaxis due to red fire ant bite. All cases present the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis within 15 minutes after getting bite. All cases were referred to the ICU of the big hospital and the steroid therapy is used. All cases got full recovery within 1 day after admission. Focusing on hypersensivity to fire ant, the problem can range from mild, local pustules, to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis, condition[6]. There are at least 4 allergens, Sol i venom, detectable in fire ant[6]. For treatment, additional to standard steroid therapy, the fire ant allergen-specific immunotherapy is also purposed as an alternative but this method is usually not practical in general practice.

Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no conflict of interest

[1] Havaldar PV, Patil SS, Phadnis C. Anaphylaxis due to Red fire ant bite. Indian Pediatr 2012; 49(3): 237-238.

[2] Mehr S, Brown S. A case of ant anaphylaxis. J Paediatr Child Health 2012; 48(3): E101-E104.

[3] Ratnatilaka GA, Herath RR, Dias RK. Severe anaphylaxis following ant bites. Ceylon Med J 2011; 56(1): 34-35.

[4] More DR, Kohlmeier RE, Hoffman DR. Fatal anaphylaxis to indoor native fire ant stings in an infant. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2008; 29(1): 62-63.

[5] Prahlow JA, Barnard JJ. Fatal anaphylaxis due to fire ant stings. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 1998; 19(2): 137-142.

[6] Stafford CT. Hypersensitivity to fire ant venom. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1996; 77(2): 87-95.

ment heading

10.1016/S2221-6189(14)60039-1

*Corresponding author: Sora Yasri, Primary care unit, KMT Center, Bangkok Thailand.

E-mail: sorayasri@outlook.co.th