Chen Shi-Qi, Yang Tao, Lan Li-Fang, Chen Xiao-Ming, Huang Dong-Bei, Zeng Zhao-Lin, Ye Xiao-Ying, Wan Chun-Lei, Li Long-Nian
Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China.
World J Clin Cases. 2022 Jul 6;10(19):6695-6701. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i19.6695.
Many ant species can harm humans; however, only a few cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Normally, reactions caused by ants occur in patients who come into contact with ant venom. Venom contains various biologically active peptides and protein components, of which acids and alkaloids tend to cause anaphylaxis. Ant venom can cause both immediate and delayed reactions. The main histopathological changes observed in ant hypersensitivity are eosinophil recruitment and Th2 cytokine production.
A 70-year-old man was bitten by a large number of ants when he was in a drunken stupor and was hospitalized at a local hospital. Five days later, because of severe symptoms, the patient was transferred to our hospital for treatment. Numerous pustules were observed interspersed throughout the body, with itching and pain reported. He had experienced fever, vomiting, hematochezia, mania, soliloquy, sleep disturbances, and elevated levels of myocardial enzymes since the onset of illness. The patient had a history of hypertension for more than 1 year, and his blood pressure was within the normal range after hypotensive drug treatment. He had no other relevant medical history. Based on the clinical history of an ant bite and its clinical manifestations, the patient was diagnosed with an ant venom allergy. The patient was treated with 60 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d, 40 mg methylprednisolone for 3 d, and 20 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d. Oral antihistamines and diazepam were administered for 12 d and 8 d, respectively. Cold compresses were used to treat the swelling during the process. After 12 d of treatment, most pustules became crusts, whereas some had faded away. No symptoms of pain, itching, or psychological disturbances were reported during the follow-up visits within 6 mo.
This case report emphasizes the dangers of ant stings.
许多蚂蚁种类会对人类造成伤害；然而，只有少数会引发危及生命的过敏反应。通常，蚂蚁引起的反应发生在接触蚁毒的患者身上。毒液含有多种生物活性肽和蛋白质成分，其中酸和生物碱往往会引发过敏反应。蚁毒可引起即刻反应和延迟反应。在蚂蚁过敏反应中观察到的主要组织病理学变化是嗜酸性粒细胞募集和Th2细胞因子产生。
一名70岁男性在醉酒昏迷时被大量蚂蚁叮咬，随后在当地医院住院。五天后，由于症状严重，患者被转至我院治疗。全身可见大量散在脓疱，伴有瘙痒和疼痛。自发病以来，患者出现发热、呕吐、便血、躁狂、自言自语、睡眠障碍以及心肌酶水平升高。患者有1年多的高血压病史，经降压药物治疗后血压在正常范围内。他没有其他相关病史。根据蚂蚁叮咬的临床病史及其临床表现，患者被诊断为蚁毒过敏。给予患者60mg甲泼尼龙治疗2天，40mg甲泼尼龙治疗3天，20mg甲泼尼龙治疗2天。分别给予口服抗组胺药和地西泮12天和8天。在此过程中使用冷敷治疗肿胀。治疗12天后，大多数脓疱结痂，而有些已经消退。在6个月内的随访中未报告疼痛、瘙痒或心理障碍症状。
本病例报告强调了蚂蚁叮咬的危险性。
