A Case of Accidental Ingestion of Ant Bait Containing Fipronil

Abstract

A 77-year-old woman accidentally ingested a commercial ant bait containing fipronil without development of obvious toxicity, supporting the safety of this new insecticide as demonstrated in animal studies. However, concentrated agricultural products may be more toxic, and the potential for seizures should not be overlooked. The pharmacological action, mechanism of selective insect toxicity, and clinical effects of fipronil are discussed.

Accidental Dermal and Inhalation Exposure with Fipronil—A Case Report

“…To the best of our knowledge there is only one publication regarding oral intoxication with fipronil in humans (5). There are three main ways of intoxication with fipronil-oral, dermal, and inhalation (5,7).…”

“…There are three main ways of intoxication with fipronil-oral, dermal, and inhalation (5,7). In our case there were two possible ways of exposure: dermal and inhalation.…”

Prevention of arthropod-related disease

“…Available data suggest an excellent safety profile, although adverse endocrine effects have been noted in rats treated with fipronil. 90,91 As fipronil is still a relatively new agent, pet owners are advised not to handle the wet liquid, and to avoid excessive exposure to impregnated fur. 92,93 The current recommendations are likely to be modified as more information becomes available.…”

Transient alterations in neuronal and behavioral activity following bensultap and fipronil treatment in rats

“…Although several investigations tried recently to clarify neuronal toxicity of insecticides in mammals, there are only a few data concerning detailed neurophysiological effects (Fung et al, 2003). Neurophysiological investigations, however, might be very important in cases when animals or humans are exposed either to low doses of chemicals for a long time, or to a single high dose during an accident.…”