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Systemic reactions to the Samsum ant: An IgE-mediated hypersensitivity

1995; Elsevier BV; Volume: 96; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0091-6749(95)70288-1

1097-6825

Georges Dib, Bernard Guérin, William A. Banks, F Leynadier,

Insect and Pesticide Research

Background: In the United Arab Emirates the sting of the Pachycondyla sennaarensis ant (PSA) causes allergic reactions in certain persons. It is a common problem and is becoming a public health hazard. Up to now the diagnosis has been based only on the history, because the mechanism of the reaction was not yet established. Objective: The aim of our study was to prepare an allergenic extract that would be used for skin tests and to prepare a reagent for specific IgE titration. Results of both skin tests and specific IgE were to be compared with the clinical history. Methods: We studied 31 patients with anaphylactic reactions and performed clinical examinations, skin tests, and specific IgE antibody titrations. A control group of 22 subjects was also studied. Results: In 30 of 31 patients (97%) findings of PSA skin tests and/or specific IgE were positive. In the control groups PSA skin test results were negative in 86% and negative for specific IgE in 68%. Conclusion: The study shows that the mechanism of the reaction to the sting of the PSA is a type I IgE-mediated hypersensitivity and that the diagnosis can now be confirmed by skin tests and specific IgE determination. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1995;96:465-72.)