Formicidae
Effective VIT against S. invicta was first demonstrated by case
series using whole body extract in 1992 - with 98% success at
preventing anaphylaxis on subsequent reported
stings.75,76
Purified M. pilosula VIT proved 100% effective at preventing
anaphylaxis in a double sting-challenge during a double-blind
randomised-controlled trial.77 Although highly
effective, it is frequently associated with systemic adverse events
depending on the up-dosing protocol.78
In Thailand, commercially available S. invicta whole body extract
(WBE) VIT has been employed as a treatment for allergy to S.
geminata , which exhibits cross-reactivity on allergen
testing. 34 In a case series of children, 4 of
14 (29%) VIT-treated children still reacted to further stings. After
doubling the standard dose, all children were
protected.79
A recent case report from Saudi Arabia documented Brachyponera
sennaarensis Samsun ant WBE immunotherapy being used successfully to
treat severe symptoms.80