Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-ACOSTA, Alexis; SANCHEZ, Elda E.  and  NAVARRETE, Luís F.. Intense allergic reaction in a patient stung by the black ant (Odontomachus bauri). Rev Cubana Med Trop [online]. 2010, vol.62, n.1, pp.117-124. ISSN 0375-0760.

INTRODUCTION: ant stings in nations located in the tropical and subtropical regions were generally benign and not frequent; however, at present a higher number of cases develop serious allergic reactions that may evolve into anaphylactic shock or severe urticaria. METHODS: review of the case of a young man suffering moderate allergic reaction to ant stings and comments on the biomedical importance of this event. This is the second accident described in literature and associated with Odontomachus bauri ant, which stresses its epidemiological weight in the future. The clinical signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction together with some biological aspects of the ant were described. The patient was treated with hydrocortisone sodium succynate (100mg/stat) and systemic antihistaminic drug Loratadina. CONCLUSIONS: allergic reactions as a result of hymenoptera stings is becoming a growing problem in many countries; therefore it is essential that the medical authorities be aware of the dermatological and systemic manifestations affecting some patients stung by ants.

Keywords : black ant-caused accident; allergy; anaphylaxis; hymenoptera; Odontomachus bauri; urticaria.

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