Cross-reactivity between allergens in the venom of the common striped scorpion and the imported fire ant - 25/08/11
, Larry L Hagan, MD a, Jeffrey G Demain, MD b, Bonnie A Whisman, MS a, Theodore M Freeman, MD aReprint requests: Jeffrey Nugent, MD, 96 AMDS/SGPFA, 307 Boatner Rd, Suite 114, Eglin AFB, FL 32542.San Antonio, Tex, and Anchorage, Alaska
Abstract |
Background |
The common striped scorpion, Centruroides vittatus, and the imported fire ant (IFA) are endemic to the south-central United States. There is evidence of venom-specific IgE in patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions to scorpion stings. The infrequency of repeated scorpion stings and the presence of immediate reactions to an initial sting suggest prior sensitization.
Objective |
In the present study we evaluated the cross-reactivity of C vittatus venom with IFA whole-body extract (WBE).
Methods |
Sera were obtained from patients with symptoms of immediate hypersensitivity to C vittatus stings and from scorpion sting–naive patients allergic to IFA venom. Inhibition IgE immunoblots were performed by using scorpion venom and IFA WBE. Skin testing with scorpion venom was performed on scorpion sting–naive patients allergic to IFA venom.
Results |
Sera from patients with scorpion venom allergy demonstrated IgE binding to multiple allergens of similar sizes against both scorpion venom and IFA WBE. This binding was completely inhibited by preincubation of the sera with scorpion venom and IFA WBE. Pooled sera from patients with IFA venom allergy demonstrated similar bands on IgE immunoblotting against both IFA WBE and scorpion venom, with the latter being completely inhibited by preincubation of the sera with IFA WBE. Skin testing with scorpion venom was positive in 6 of 9 patients with IFA venom allergy.
Conclusion |
Significant cross-reactivity exists between the venom of C vittatus and IFA WBE. The high sensitization rate to IFA venom in endemic areas may therefore be a risk factor for subsequent immediate reactions to an initial scorpion sting. Patients with immediate hypersensitivity reactions to scorpion stings may potentially benefit from immunotherapy with IFA WBE.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Centruroides vittatus, scorpion, venom, cross-reactivity, imported fire ant
Abbreviations : IFA, WBE
Plan
 | The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as reflecting the views of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the United States Government. |
| This study was funded entirely through the United States Air Force. |
Vol 114 - N° 2
P. 383-386 - août 2004 Retour au numéro
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