Systemic reactions to the Samsum ant: an XXXX .

@entity1 @entity10284 @entity56
BACKGROUND: In the United Arab Emirates the sting of the Pachycondyla sennaarensis ant (PSA) causes @entity56 in certain @entity1 . 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 @entity1 with anaphylactic reactions and performed clinical examinations, skin tests, and specific IgE antibody titrations. A control group of 22 subjects were also studied. RESULTS: In 30 of 31 @entity1 (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 @entity10284 and that the diagnosis can now be confirmed by skin tests and specific IgE determination.
