PMID: 26793414Jan 23, 2016Paper

The Kiss of Death: A Rare Case of Anaphylaxis to the Bite of the "Red Margined Kissing Bug"

Hawai'i Journal of Medicine & Public Health : a Journal of Asia Pacific Medicine & Public Health
Caleb Anderson, Conrad Belnap

Abstract

Triatoma (kissing bugs), a predatory genus of blood-sucking insects which belongs to the family Reduviidae, subfamily Triatominae, is a well-known vector in the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent in Chagas disease. However, it is less well appreciated that bites from these insects can cause a range of symptoms varying from localized cutaneous symptoms to a generalized anaphylactic reaction. While anaphylactic reactions following bites have been reported with five of the eleven species endemic to the United States, the majority are associated with Triatoma protracta, and Triatoma rubida. There have been very few reported cases of anaphylactic reaction to the bite Triatoma rubrofasciata, which is endemic to Florida and Hawai'i. We report a case of a 50 year old previously healthy female from a rural area in Honolulu County who suffered three separate bites from Triatoma rubrofasciata and experienced a generalized anaphylactic reaction on each occasion. There is currently no commercially available skin test to determine allergy to Triatoma bites, and there is likewise no immunotherapy. Avoidance is the best strategy and allergic patients should always have an epinephrine auto injector readily available.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.

Allergy and Asthma

Allergy and asthma are inflammatory disorders that are triggered by the activation of an allergen-specific regulatory t cell. These t cells become activated when allergens are recognized by allergen-presenting cells. Here is the latest research on allergy and asthma.

Related Papers

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
J H KlotzStephen A Klotz
Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
John E MoffittRichard D deShazo
Advances in Parasitology
Lori StevensStephen A Klotz
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved