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i204 Horse fly

Allergens within Insects

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Latin name: Tabanus spp.
Family: Tabanidae
Source material: Whole insect bodies

Biting insects are a world-wide problem and can elicit severe allergic reactions.

Allergen Exposure

Allergen exposure is through bites.

Potential Cross-Reactivity

Cross-reactivity within insects is reported, but Tabanus spp. are not mentioned.

Clinical Experience

Tabanus spp. are reported to cause IgE-mediated reactions (1). In a study in Queensland, Australia, 11 (1.5%) of 742 patients presenting for evaluation of adverse reactions to insect stings or bites, had allergic reactions to march (horse) flies (1).

Review
Allergen exposure is through bites. Cross-reactivity within insects is reported, but Tabanus spp. are not mentioned. Tabanus spp. are reported to cause IgE-mediated reactions (1). Biting insects is a world-wide problem and could elicit severe allergic reactions. In a study in Queensland, Australia 11 (1.5%) of 742 patients presenting for evaluation of adverse reactions to insect stings or bites, had allergic reactions to march (horse) flies (1). Attempts have been made to purify the allergenic components from Tabanus spp. (2).

References:

Solley GO. Allergy to stinging and biting insects in Queensland. Med J Aust 1990;153:650-4.
Kodama H, Ishikura M, Kubota K. [Purification of the skin reactive substance from Tabanus iyoensis Shiraki] [Japanese]. Igaku to Seibutsugaku- Medicine & Biology 1970;80:125-9.

2000

References