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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
07:49
Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice
Published on: October 14, 2014
[Anaphylatic reactions to ant stings]
D J Kipper1, M de O Saldanha, L Tessaro
1Conselho Federal de Medicina, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
Jornal De Pediatria
|December 20, 2003
Summary
Severe anaphylactic reactions can occur from ant stings, even in young children. Physicians should consider this risk, as these reactions, like the one causing cortical blindness, are not uncommon.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Toxicology
- Neurology
Background:
- Ant stings, particularly from species like Solenopsis invicta, can trigger severe allergic reactions.
- Anaphylaxis following insect stings is a significant medical concern.
- Neurological sequelae, such as cortical blindness, are rare but possible complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ant stings and severe anaphylactic reactions.
- To highlight the potential for serious health outcomes following ant envenomation.
- To increase physician awareness of this clinical presentation.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a severe anaphylactic reaction to multiple ant stings.
- Literature review using Medline and Lilacs databases.
Main Results:
- A 2-year-old male experienced severe anaphylaxis after multiple stings from Solenopsis invicta (small red ants).
- The patient developed cortical blindness as a neurological complication.
- The literature review supports the occurrence of severe reactions to ant stings.
Conclusions:
- Severe anaphylactic reactions from ant stings, though not extremely rare, warrant medical consideration.
- Solenopsis invicta stings can lead to severe systemic reactions and neurological deficits.
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant regarding potential anaphylaxis from common ant species.
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