Journal of the Indian Society of Toxicology
  • Year: 2012
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue: 1

Anaphylaxis due to indian black ant bite [Camponotus compressus] and a short review of literature

  • Author:
  • B Sadananda Naik, Krishna Mohan Prabhu1, CS Jyothi2
  • Total Page Count: 3
  • Page Number: 43 to 45

1General Surgeon, Prabhu General Hospital, Moodabidri-574227, Karnataka

2Dermatologist, Skin Care Clinic, Trade Centre, Moodabidri-574227, Karnataka

*Author for correspondence: Physician, Alva's Health Centre, Moodabidri-574227, Karnataka, Email: sadanandanaik2@gmail.com; sadanandanaik@sancharnet.in

Online published on 21 June, 2012.

Abstract

Anaphylaxis and death have been reported due to bite by many species of ants such as fire ant, carpenter ant, black ant (samsum), etc. But anaphylaxis due to the bite of the Common Indian Black Ant (Camponotus compressus) is unusual, and has rarely been reported.

We are reporting a case of anaphylaxis due to Indian black ant bite. Though the patient did not provide any previous history of a bite by this ant species, it could be presumed that he could have been bitten earlier.

This case report emphasizes the need for precautions against bites by this species of ant which is widely regarded as relatively harmless.

Keywords

Indian black ant, Camponotus compressus, Ant bite, Anaphylaxis