SYSTEMIC REACTIONS TO THE SAMSUM ANT - AN IGE-MEDIATED HYPERSENSITIVITY

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 wets 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 rests and specific IgE determination.