Reactions to the stings of the imported fire ant

Article Abstract:

Early in this century two varieties of fire ants, Solenopsis richteri, (the black fire ant) and Solenopsis invicta (the red fire ant) were introduced in to the United States, presumably through cargo ships calling at Mobile, Alabama. By 1985, the ants had infested large tracks of land in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Puerto Rico. Although the ants thrive better when the temperature does not drop below -12.2 degrees F (10 degrees C), several hybrids that are more cold-tolerant have moved farther north. The ants are omnivorous and attack farm animals, eat electrical insulation, and form large colonies which can endanger human populations. During dry periods the ants are found at ground level; during rains or flooding they float and sting on contact with humans. Attacks on children and the elderly have particularly occurred during heavy rains. In areas where these ants are endemic, between 30 and 60 percent of the population is stung yearly. Stings occur most frequently on the legs of children during the summer months. The ants attach to the skin of the victim by powerful jaws and inject small quantities of venom through a stinger located on their lower abdomen. The venom induces a severe local burning sensation, which persists as an intense itch that lasts for hours or days. The wound site becomes swollen and a pustule (oozing sore) may develop which falls off after 48 to 72 hours and gradually heals by resurfacing. Between 17 and 56 percent of patients have allergic reactions including redness, swelling, and intensely itchy lesions at the bite site. Respiratory and cardiovascular reactions may also occur as a result of a systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). A recent survey of 29,300 physicians has identified 32 documented cases of anaphylaxis due to fire ant stings. The value of immunotherapy in preventing anaphylactic reaction to fire ant stings is unclear; in part, because of the lack of availability of fire ant venom for treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Fire ants, Anaphylaxis, Venoms, Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis richteri

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Marine envenomations

Article Abstract:

A review is presented of marine animals that can inject poison into the body by stinging or biting, along with the composition and physiologic effects of the poison. In general, the toxin is injected into the victim by venom glands on or near spines (fangs, daggers, or darts), or from microscopic organelles called cnidae. Appropriate therapeutic measures are described. The most common sting injury from a marine vertebrate is from the stingray, and the 11 species can be subdivided into four categories with different levels of toxicity. Other animals that sting are scorpion fish, coelenterates (hydroids, jellyfish, anemones), sponges, echinoderms (sea urchins, starfish), bristleworms, and mollusks. The stinging apparatus and venoms are described in each case. Treatment approaches depend on whether the wound is a puncture wound or one characterized by a rash, blisters, or hives. A flow chart is presented to guide treatment. Wounds acquired in the ocean become infected easily, but minor cuts do not usually require antibiotics if the wounded person is immunologically healthy. Specific remedies are described for puncture wounds and stings. Spines and very small spines (spinules) should be removed from the wound whenever possible. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Poisonous fishes, Ciguatoxin

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The management of bite wounds

Article Abstract:

A physician summarizes the treatment of bite wounds. Wounds should be irrigated extensively and puncture wounds should be left open. Antibiotics may be useful and an analysis of 8 studies found that antibiotics reduced the risk of infection by about half. A 1998 report documented the presence of many different bacteria in dog and cat bites. The mix of organisms isolated indicates that penicillin or its derivatives plus a beta-lactamase inhibitor is the best treatment for most bites. If the animal exhibits rabid behavior, the child should receive a rabies shot.

Injuries, Children, Pediatric injuries

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