Stinging Insects— A Threat to Life

Abstract

Disorders of the human respiratory tract have been associated with sensitivity caused by inhalation of scales, hairs, wing and body fragments, and other body emanations of flying insects present in atmospheric dust. Percutaneous instillation of salivary secretions from the bites of insects causes annoying skin lesions, but may also cause systemic reactions. Serious and potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions may be caused by the stinging insects of the Hymenoptera group when a person who has been sensitized by previous stings is restung. Prompt emergency treatment and desensitization with polyvalent stinging insect whole body extracts may nullify this threat to life.