A new report found young kids who have major allergic reactions to fire ant stings can be desensitized in a one-day “rush” protocol.
There’s a risk of repeated stings in regions where imported fire ants are endemic, according to Dr. Michael S. Tankersley who said the one-day protocol, “which can safely reach a protective dose of immunotherapy in a short amount of time, would be a therapeutic option for any-age patient with imported fire ant allergy.”
Tankersley, from Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas and colleagues studied three children 36 months or younger who completed a one-day rapid immunotherapy protocol with imported fire ant whole-body extract.
Researchers say the procedure involves 10 injections of the extract given every 30 or 60 minutes. It starts with a tiny amount and gradually builds up to a full dose so that the child becomes tolerant.
The team reported in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology that none of the three children experienced reactions during the treatment other than some mild redness at the injection sites.
The study found the children who were stung by fire ants several times subsequently did well. However, one who did not keep up with maintenance treatment did have breathing difficulties after being stung.
Tankersley stressed the importance of having people with reactions to fire ant stings see an allergist, “as imported fire ant allergy can be fatal.”
Researchers say immunotherapy provides 95-98 percent protection.
Tankersley pointed out that treatment “is recommended for 3-5 years with monthly maintenance injections provided in the office of an allergist.”
“We have just completed an initial study using this same protocol in adult patients 18 years and older,” Tankersley added.
Image Courtesy Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project
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