Hymenoptera hypersensitivity in an imported fire ant endemic area.
BACKGROUND
Imported fire ants are a common cause of insect venom hypersensitivity in the Southeastern United States.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the most frequent insect cause for evaluation in a Hymenoptera hypersensitivity clinic in an area endemic for the imported fire ants.


METHODS
This was a retrospective study reviewing all patients seen in a venom clinic at a large teaching hospital.


RESULTS
Of the 703 patients evaluated, between 1985 and 1995, 515 (73%) had reactions consistent with systemic anaphylaxis for which a determination of specific IgE was appropriate. Of the 703 patients seen, 315 (45%) had a positive history and skin test positivity and were offered specific immunotherapy. This was 61% of those individuals skin tested. Of the total patients seen, imported fire ants were responsible for 42% of the visits to the clinic and accounted for 59% of the total immunotherapy that was begun in this endemic area.


CONCLUSIONS
In areas endemic for the imported fire ants, the most frequent cause of Hymenoptera hypersensitivity is the imported fire ant.
Freeman
T M
TM
59th Medical Wing/PSMA, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5300, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D000862:Ant Venoms / Q000009:adverse effects; D001000:Ants / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006927:Hymenoptera; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007223:Infant; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012882:Skin Tests; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology
D000862:Ant Venoms