PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “INSECT BITES AND STINGS”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Exposures and outcomes of children with urticaria seen in a pediatric practice-based research network: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the duration, outcome, and associated findings of urticaria in children seen by general pediatricians; (2) to compare the exposure to foods, medications, insect stings or bites, and the presence of other symptoms in children with urticaria with controls; (3) to determine general pediatricians' management of urticaria. DESIGN: Case-control. PARTICIPANTS: Children with urticaria seen by Utah Pediatric Practice Based Research Network members between August 1, 1999, and August 31, 2000. Control patients were matched for age and sex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of urticaria; associated symptoms; personal and family history of atopy; medications; ingestion of peanuts, nuts, shellfish, tomatoes, strawberries, or eggs; being stung by an insect; suspected cause, diagnostic studies; treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-two cases and 47 controls were enrolled. The mean duration of urticaria was 8.9 days (range, 1-50 days). Seventeen patients (33%) and 1 control patient were taking antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 22.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-176; chi(2), P<.001). Fourteen patients and 5 controls had gastrointestinal symptoms (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.02-9.4; chi(2), P =.04). There were no differences between cases and controls for other symptoms, personal or family history of atopy, ingestion of the foods listed, insect sting, or other medications. A cause was suspected in 28 patients (54%): a "viral illness" (19%), antibiotics (15%), or a combination (35%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients were more likely than controls to be taking an antibiotic and were more likely to have a personal or family history of atopy or to report ingesting foods commonly associated with urticaria. A viral illness was the most common cause suspected by pediatricians.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Domestic scorpion control with pyrethroid insecticides in Mexico.

Scorpion stings cause more morbidity in Mexico than any other country, leading to about 100 deaths annually. In 1999, the State of Morelos reported nine deaths among 30663 cases of scorpion sting. To replace lindane used for scorpion control, field trials of pyrethroid pesticides were undertaken in Morelos during 1998-2000 at the village of Chalcatzingo (population initially with 2760 inhabitants and 530 houses). Pre-intervention surveys detected scorpions (Scorpiones: Buthidae) of two species in the majority of houses: Centruroides limpidus limpidus Karsch outnumbering Vaejovis mexicanus smithi Koch. Scorpion prevalence was assessed, pre- and post-spray, directly by searching (40 min/house) and by householder reports of sightings inside houses. Pre-intervention perceptions of scorpion abundance were similar for all areas, with sightings in 12-18% of houses, whereas daytime searches detected more infestations in eastern parts of the village (prevalence 17% indoors, 22% outdoors) than in other sectors (9% indoors, 14% outdoors). Pyrethroids were evaluated as residual treatments in separate sectors of Chalcatzingo, with almost complete coverage indoors and peridomestically, using the following four formulations: bifenthrin 10% wettable powder (WP) applied at 50mg a.i./m2, cyfluthrin 10% WP (Solfac 10 WP) at 44-55 mg a.i./m2, deltamethrin 2.5% suspension concentrate (Biothrin 25 SC) at 11 mg a.i./m2 and 5% WP (K-Othrine 50 WP) at 35 mg a.i./m2. Phase 1 compared bifenthrin 10 WP, Solfac 10 WP and Biothrin 25 SC sprayed in December 1998; phase 2 compared Solfac 10 WP and K-Othrine 50 WP sprayed in June and again in December 2000, with follow-up surveys of scorpions one month post-spray and subsequently. Scorpion prevalence was reduced by 64-77% peridomestically one month post-spray and by 83, 46 and 15% in houses sprayed with cyfluthrin WP, bifenthrin WP or deltamethrin SC, respectively. Householder reports of sighting scorpions indoors were 33-85% below pre-intervention levels. Cumulative effects of the three spray-rounds over 3 years reduced scorpion prevalence by approximately 60% in the deltamethrin WP re-sprayed area and by approximately 90% in the cyfluthrin WP re-sprayed area. Householder sightings also fell by 67 and 28% in the cyfluthrin and delta-methrin re-sprayed areas, respectively. Operational efficacy of these products against scorpions at the dosages applied was ranked as cyfluthrin WP > bifenthrin WP > deltamethrin SC > WP. Reported cases of scorpion sting intoxication fell by 17% during this study after having risen by approximately 40% over four previous years.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Recommendations for prevention and management of fire ant infestation of health care facilities.

The range of imported fire ants now includes most of the southeastern United States, parts of the Southwest, portions of the East and West Coasts, and Puerto Rico. Increasingly, fire ant attacks on patients in health care facilities have been reported. In this paper, we provide recommendations for fire ant control in and around health care facilities that should help prevent building infestation and further attacks. In addition, we provide algorithms detailing fire ant prevention strategies (indoors and outdoors) and patient management after fire ant stings. Physicians in areas endemic for fire ants should be aware of the possibility that patients may be harmed by these insects, and also should be generally familiar with measures used to control fire ants.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Avoidance of bee and wasp stings: an entomological perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Clinicians and researchers in allergy and immunology are often unaware of aspects of stinging insect biology that would be of practical interest to their patients. This review discusses entomological literature pertaining to avoidance of bee and wasp stings, with emphasis on risk factors associated with provoking individual foragers versus disturbing colonies and preventive measures for both circumstances. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent work pertaining to sting avoidance has mostly been concerned with the development and testing of attractants, insecticides and delivery systems for toxic baiting programs to control vespine wasps. SUMMARY: Sting risks and avoidance measures associated with bee and wasp foragers are different from those posed by disturbing colonies. Despite widespread advice to the contrary, no evidence currently exists that wearing perfume or bright, floral-colored clothing elevates sting risk. Foragers usually have to be firmly touched before they will sting; therefore, personal protection largely involves guarding against accidental direct contact. Although still under development, the most effective means for reducing local populations of foraging vespine wasps are toxic baiting programs. Preventing stings from colonies is more problematic and depends mostly on personal awareness when disturbing vegetation. The most effective measure in mitigating the severity of a mass attack is probably the wearing of white or light-colored clothing.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis: 8 new cases in northern Italy].

Eight new cases of Human Dirofilariasis in people living in Northern Italy were recorded: 3 from the province of Asti and 2 from Alessandria (Piedmont), 1 from Corsico (Miland, Lombardy) and 2 from Ravenna (Emilia-Romagna). All the patients were adults, 42 to 66 years old, 4 men and 4 women. The localization of the nematode in all the cases was subcutaneous. Signs and symptoms were always mild and consisted in the growth of a 1 to 2 cm large nodule associated with occasional localized itching and oedema, sometimes with reddening. In one case, the sting of a non-specified winged insect was recorded in the anamnesis, in the same spot where the nodule developed. In another case, the nematode came out spontaneously from the lesion. The aetiological agent was always identified as Dirofilaria repens. These 8 new cases confirm the comparatively frequent presence of Human Dirofilariasis in regions of Northern Italy, namely in the Po Valley.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Multiple fire ant stings indoors.

The progressive spread and increasing colony density of imported fire ants throughout the southeastern United States will result in increasing numbers of individuals with untoward reactions to the stings of these insects. In order to alert physicians that imported fire ant colonies may exist within homes and other inhabited dwellings and result in multiple stings to the occupants and to provide information about the management of this problem, we report two cases where individuals were stung indoors by imported fire ants. One of these cases involved the attack of a bed-bound patient by a colony of ants. The other report documents the establishment of an intact fire ant colony within an inhabited dwelling. Physicians should become familiar with the biology of these insects to assist patients in dealing with this problem.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Hypersensitivity to fire ant venom.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Reading this article will reinforce the reader's knowledge of the taxonomy, origin, and distribution of fire ants and will increase his ability to diagnose and manage reactions caused by the two imported species, Solenopsis invicta and richteri. This review will also enhance the reader's knowledge of the available diagnostic methods and therapeutic measures, including the role of fire ant venom versus whole body extract in the management of fire ant allergy. DATA SOURCES: Information for this review was obtained primarily from abstracts and articles written by investigators recognized for their expertise in fire ant venom research. STUDY SELECTION: References were selected based on their clinical applicability and relevance to the epidemiology and pathophysiology of imported fire ant hypersensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The imported fire ant represents a significant health hazard for persons living in fire ant endemic areas in the southern United States. Sting reactions range from local pustules and large, late-phase responses to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Fire ant allergen-specific immunotherapy can reduce the risk of subsequent systemic reactions. Four important Sol i venom allergens have been isolated and characterized. Clinical studies have been designed to compare the safety and efficacy of fire ant venom with whole body extract for diagnosis and treatment of fire ant allergy.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Management of imported fire ant allergy: results of a survey.

BACKGROUND: Fire ant allergy is a significant health problem in the southern United States. Management of fire ant allergy is less clearly defined than management of allergy to the winged Hymenoptera. OBJECTIVE: To determine how fire ant allergy is managed by practicing allergists. METHODS: A survey form was developed and distributed to American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology members practicing in fire ant endemic states. Completed forms were returned to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology central office and forwarded to the authors for analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-nine of 879 (37.4%) surveys were returned; 81% of respondents have evaluated patients with imported fire ant allergy. Immunotherapy is used by 96.7% of respondents to treat fire ant allergy. A wide range of maintenance dosages are prescribed. Skin testing is the most common diagnostic method. Systemic reactions to stings while on maintenance immunotherapy were reported by 19%. Allergists utilize different criteria in consideration for stopping immunotherapy; 19% continue it indefinitely. CONCLUSIONS: There are many areas of general uniformity and other areas of divergence in how allergists manage imported fire ant allergy. These findings suggest continued need for further investigation regarding the efficacy, dosage, and duration of immunotherapy, as well as further elucidation of the natural history of fire ant allergy.

Ant Venoms↗
PubMed1998

[A severe anaphylactic shock caused by spraying the oak processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea processionea) in North Brabant].

The processionary caterpillar, Thaumetopoea processionea, caused much inconvenience in the Netherlands in 1996-1997; from the medical point of view, mostly itching and skin rash. After contact with stinging bristles of the caterpillar and with the pesticide Dimilin SC-48, of which diflubenzurone is the active agent, a 72-year-old man had to be resuscitated because of ventricular fibrillation caused by hypotension related to relative underfilling and low systemic vascular resistance. He made a good recovery. Such life-threatening situations can be prevented by publicly announcing plague control measures and closing of the affected areas to the population, with ample margins.

Aged↗
PubMed1975

The imported fire ant: dimensions of the urban problem.

Although the imported fire ant is a known rural problem, the problem it may pose to urban dwellers has not been documented. A telephone survey of 240 households selected by a probability sample of an upper middle class suburb of New Orleans was carried out to ascertain the experiences of residents with fire ants from June to August 1973. Overall, ant stings were reported for 29% of the study population, with sting rates of 55% among children under 10 years old. Among those stung, at least minimal allergic reactions were reported for 17%, and 4.4% required medical consultation. Of households with outdoor premises, 55% reported fire ant infestation, 86% of these used pesticides for fire ant control, and few felt that community assistance was needed for private property. Half of the respondents, however, favored a community control program for public grounds. These data may provide a basis for decision as to the need for community efforts in fire ant control.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[The wasp/mosquito syndrome].

The authors describe for the first time the Wasp/Mosquito syndrome. The allergenic cross-reactivity between Vespula wasp venom and mosquito extract and the reverse rest objectively on several criteria. The frequency of the association between sensibilization to Vespula wasp venom and mosquito: In 10 subjects who had specific IgE to Vespula wasp venom 3 also had mosquito-specific IgE (30%), but out of 11 subjects with positive mosquito-specific IgE 10 also were positive with Vespula wasp venom specific IgE (about 91%). Three observations were documented showing a clinical and biological relationship between sensitisation to mosquito and wasp venom. A first patient had an anaphylactic reaction after a dozen mosquito bites. The allergy assessment confirmed sensitisation to the mosquitos, but also to Vespides (wasp, hornet) venoms. A second patient had an anaphylactic reaction after a wasp sting in 1997. From that date, he had local reactions, indeed loco-regional, to mosquito bites. The allergy assessment confirmed the double sensibilization to mosquito and wasp venom. Finally, a third patient at first had local reactions, also loco-regional, to mosquito bites, then two systemic reactions after mosquito bites. A first allergy assessment, made exclusively to hymenoptera venoms (not to mosquitos), showed a sensitivity to wasp venom and the patient, by mistake, was desensitised to wasp venom, which did not prevent recurrence after mosquito bites. After a second time, the allergy assessment for hymenoptera and mosquito, confirmed a double sensitisation (mosquito and Vespula wasp). Indirect criteria such as parallel increase in specific IgEs to Vespula wasp venom and mosquito in a patient who was desensitised only to mosquito and who had not been re-stung by wasps. Finally on direct criteria, such as: The inhibition technique by CAP RAST, which was positive in two ways: Vespula wasp--specific IgE was inhibited by mosquito extract, and vice versa. Electrophoresis, which showed a protein common to Vespula wasp venom and mosquito extract of M.W. of the order or 42KD and isoelectric point between 4.5 and 5. An immunoblot study identified this common protein with a M.W. of 44KD which is the same as hyaluronidase.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Deaths resulting from animal attacks in the United States.

The objective of this study was to elucidate the etiology and frequency of deaths in the United States from encounters with animals. The number of deaths from venomous and nonvenomous animals is reported annually to the US Department of Health and Human Services and published in Vital Statistics of the United States. This study is a survey of all animal-related fatalities listed as E-codes 905-906 reported in the Vital Statistics of the United States from 1979 through 1990. Data were extracted uniformly from the annual reports and analyzed using descriptive statistics. From 1979 through 1990, there were 1882 animal-related deaths in the United States. Venomous animals caused 718 deaths; nonvenomous animals caused 1164 deaths. Most deaths occurred among white males. The home site was the location of injury for the majority of deaths. The majority of venomous animal-related deaths were from hymenoptera; "other specified animal" caused the majority of nonvenomous deaths. An annual average of 157 deaths from animal attacks occurred in the United States between 1979 and 1990. Both fatal and nonfatal animal-related injuries are under-recognized public health hazards. Health care providers should educate their patients on exercising caution around animals, seeking medical care after an animal injury, carrying epinephrine kits if they have a history of systemic reactions to insect stings, and wearing helmets and other protective equipment when riding or working around large animals.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1962

Insects as allergen injectants, severe reactions to bites and stings of arthropods.

Arthropods capable of penetrating human skin often cause severe local and systemic reactions. Local reactions suggest delayed hypersensitivity while systemic symptoms resemble more the anaphylactic shock in animals. The nature of the antigen remains obscure but predominant evidence suggests its presence throughout the entire organism. Positive history of hypersensitivity to insect injectants was obtained in approximately 20 per cent of persons in the course of routine interviews of 1,078 patients. Repeated bites and stings at long or irregular intervals often induce a state of hypersensitivity, while repeated regular injections of extracts of these insects at shorter intervals may greatly reduce the hypersensitivity. The clinical evidence of allergic sensitivity to insect bites and stings cannot be readily confirmed by skin testing or by other immunological procedures. The history and the character of the lesions as well as certain entomological knowledge of the habits of the insects offer a better basis for specific diagnosis. Treatment with extracts of the whole offending insect generally provides good results but the protection afforded by such treatment varies in degree and duration.

Allergens↗
PubMed2001

Anaphylaxis caused by the new ant, Pachycondyla chinensis: demonstration of specific IgE and IgE-binding components.

BACKGROUND: There have been no reports dealing with the pathogenic mechanism and IgE-binding components in patients with anaphylaxis caused by a sting from Pachycondyla chinensis. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to observe the clinical features of patients with P chinensis -induced anaphylaxis. The roles of specific (s) IgE and sIgG4 antibodies were evaluated, and IgE-binding components were identified. METHODS: Seven patients with P chinensis -induced anaphylaxis and 15 unexposed control subjects were enrolled. P chinensis ants were collected at the patients' homes, and venom was prepared as P chinensis extract. Five patients complained of bee venom-induced anaphylaxis and had positive sIgE levels to yellow jacket venom, wasp venom, or both as well. Serum sIgE and sIgG4 were detected by means of ELISA. To identify IgE-binding components within P chinensis extracts, 12% SDS-PAGE with immunoblot analysis was applied. RESULTS: All patients had positive skin prick test responses to P chinensis antigen and positive sIgE levels. Five (71%) patients had positive sIgG4 levels. Eight IgE-binding components (58, 46, 3l, 29, 27, 25, 22, and 12 kd) were noted, and the component at 12 kd was the most frequently found allergen (85%). IgE ELISA inhibition tests were performed on 2 groups of sera: one from patients with anaphylaxis induced by both P chinensis and bee venom (group A) and the other from patients with anaphylaxis induced by P chinensis venom alone without bee venom allergy (group B). ELISA inhibition tests with serum from group A showed significant inhibitions with addition of P chinensis extract, partial inhibitions with yellow jacket antigen, and minimal inhibitions with wasp or imported fire ant antigens. However, ELISA inhibition tests with serum from group B showed significant inhibitions with P chinensis antigen but no inhibition with wasp, yellow jacket, or imported fire ant antigens. CONCLUSIONS: IgE-mediated reactions contributed to the development of P chinensis -induced anaphylaxis. Eight IgE-binding components and one major allergen (12 kd) were identified. Further studies will be needed to clarify the role of sIgG4 and to identify allergenic relationships with major bee and wasp allergens.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Prevention of allergy by a recombinant multi-allergen vaccine with reduced IgE binding and preserved T cell epitopes.

Novel approaches for the prevention of allergy are required, because of the inevitably increasing prevalence of allergic diseases during the last 30 years. Here, a recombinant chimeric protein, which comprises the whole amino acid sequences of three bee venom major allergens has been engineered and used in prevention of bee venom sensitization in mice. Phospholipase A2 (Api m 1), hyaluronidase (Api m 2) and melittin (Api m 3) fragments with overlapping amino acids were assembled in a different order in the Api m (1/2/3) chimeric protein, which preserved entire T cell epitopes, whereas B cell epitopes of all three allergens were abrogated. Accordingly, IgE cross-linking leading to mast cell and basophil mediator release was profoundly reduced in humans. Supporting these findings, the Api m (1/2/3) induced 100 to 1000 times less type-1 skin test reactivity in allergic patients. Treatment of mice with Api m (1/2/3) led to a significant reduction of specific IgE development towards native allergen, representing a protective vaccine effect in vivo. These results demonstrate a novel prototype of a preventive allergy vaccine, which preserves the entire T cell epitope repertoire, but bypasses induction of IgE against native allergen, and side effects related to mast cell/basophil IgE FcepsilonRI cross-linking in sensitized individuals.

Allergens↗
PubMed2003

Field trials on the repellent activity of four plant products against mainly Mansonia population in western Ethiopia.

The repellent activity of essential oils of lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus maculata citrodion), rue (Ruta chalepensis), oleoresin of pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium) and neem (Azadiracta indica) have been field tested as 40%, 50% and 75% solutions in coconut oil against populations of mosquitoes consisting mainly of Mansonia in Gambella, western Ethiopia. A latin square design was used to randomize the test subjects for possible individual differences for mosquito attraction. Repellency was evaluated as the percentage protection. Deet was included in the study for comparison. All the plant products manifested repellency. At 50% concentration at which the highest repellency was recorded the protection was 91.6%, 87.0%, 96.0%, 97.9% for rue, neem, pyrethrum and deet, respectively. The essential oil of lemon eucalyptus was not tried at this concentration. At a 40% concentration deet, lemon eucalyptus and pyrethrum were significantly (p < 0.05) more effective than rue and neem. At a 50% concentration, deet and pyrethrum were significantly better (p < 0.05) than rue and neem. At a 75% concentration concentration, deet and lemon eucalypus performed significantly better (p < 0.05) than pyrethrum and neem. The difference between pyrethrum and neem was also significant (p < 0.01).

Animals↗