Prevalence, severity, and natural history of jack jumper ant venom allergy in Tasmania.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The jack jumper ant (Myrmecia pilosula) is responsible for greater than 90% of Australian ant venom allergy. However, deaths have only been recorded in the island of Tasmania.

OBJECTIVES:

We sought to determine the prevalence, clinical features, natural history, and predictors of severity of M pilosula sting allergy in Tasmania.

METHODS:

We performed a random telephone survey supported by serum venom-specific IgE analysis, review of emergency department presentations, and follow-up of allergic volunteers.

RESULTS:

M pilosula, honeybee (Apis mellifera), and yellow jacket wasp (Vespula germanica) sting allergy prevalences were 2.7%, 1.4%, and 0.6% compared with annual sting exposure rates of 12%, 7%, and 2%, respectively. Similarly, emergency department presentations with anaphylaxis to M pilosula were double those for honeybee. M pilosula allergy prevalence increased with age of 35 years or greater (odds ratio [OR], 2.4) and bee sting allergy (OR, 16.9). Patients 35 years of age or older had a greater risk of hypotensive reactions (OR, 2.9). Mueller reaction grades correlated well with adrenaline use. During follow-up, 79 (70%) of 113 jack jumper stings caused anaphylaxis. Prior worst reaction severity predicted the likelihood and severity of follow-up reactions; only 3 subjects had more severe reactions. Venom-specific IgE levels and other clinical features, including comorbidities, were not predictive of severity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sting allergy prevalence is determined by age and exposure rate. M pilosula sting exposure in Tasmania is excessive compared with that found in mainland Australia, and there is a high systemic reaction risk in allergic people on re-sting. Prior worst reaction severity (Mueller grade) and age predict reaction severity and might be used to guide management.

• Authors: Simon G A Brown, Rodney W Franks, Brian A Baldo, Robert J Heddle
• Journal: The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology (J Allergy Clin Immunol) Vol. 111 Issue 1 Pg. 187-92 (Jan 2003) ISSN: 0091-6749 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12532117 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Ant Venoms
• Myr p I

Topics

• Allergens (immunology)
• Ant Venoms (immunology)
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity (epidemiology)
• Prevalence
• Severity of Illness Index
• Tasmania (epidemiology)