Allergy to stings and bites from rare or locally important arthropods: Worldwide distribution, available diagnostics and treatment

Abstract

Insect venom allergy is the most frequent cause of anaphylaxis in Europe and possibly worldwide. The majority of systemic allergic reactions after insect stings are caused by Hymenoptera, and among these, vespid genera induce most of the systemic sting reactions (SSR). Honey bees are the second leading cause of SSR. Depending on the global region, other Hymenoptera such as different ant genera are responsible for SSR. Widely distributed hornets and bumblebees or local vespid or bee genera rarely induce SSR.Hematophagous insects such as mosquitoes and horse flies usually cause (large) local reactions while SSR occasionally occur. This position paper aimed to identify either rare or locally important insects causing SSR as well as rarely occurring SSR after stings or bites of widely distributed insects. We summarized relevant venom or saliva allergens and

Emerging and Novel Elicitors of Anaphylaxis: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum Update 2024

“…The family Formicidae contains all ants within the Hymenoptera order of stinging insects. Several genera have been reported in the literature as associated with systemic immediate type reactions [61,62]. The most important are listed in Table 5.…”

“…Similar to other Hy-menoptera, ant species have been spread by humans beyond their native range, are now "exotic" or invasive in many regions [63,64], and may continue to spread over time, especially with climate change. Hypersensitivity reactions caused by ant stings are increasingly recognized as an important cause of death by anaphylaxis [61].…”

“…For allergy diagnostics, specific IgE and, in the USA, skin test preparations are available [61]. Fire ant wholebody extract subcutaneous immunotherapy was reported to be a safe and effective treatment for fire ant hypersensitivity [73].…”

“…Regarding other ants, anaphylaxis to Samsun ant (Pachycondyla chinensis), which is a species similar to S. invicta, has been reported in a case series from Iran [74]. Myrmecia ants (Myrmecia pilosula, Myrmecia pyriformis) are native to Southeastern Australia, and several species have been associated with allergic reactions and anaphylaxis [61]. Diagnostics are available locally in specialized centers [61].…”

“…Myrmecia ants (Myrmecia pilosula, Myrmecia pyriformis) are native to Southeastern Australia, and several species have been associated with allergic reactions and anaphylaxis [61]. Diagnostics are available locally in specialized centers [61].…”