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Stinging Insect Allergy pp 203–230Cite as

Mosquito Hypersensitivity: Clinical Updates

Abstract

Mosquitoes, among the most common biting insects, are classified within the Order Diptera and Family Culicidae with over 3700 species represented worldwide. While representing major global vectors for bite transmission of infectious diseases, they also are a source of significant morbidity due to immune mediated local and systemic reactions. This chapter will focus on the clinical, immunologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of mosquito bite hypersensitivity, a common affliction for both children and adults. Typically manifesting as immediate and/or delayed local reactions, the impact on quality of life and particularly outdoor activity may be profound, particularly in the setting of large local reactions and when systemic symptoms are also present. Severe local reactions such as Skeeter syndrome and systemic reactions including generalized urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis have been reported. Young children, immune deficient persons, and immigrants or visitors to an area with “new” exposure to indigenous mosquitoes may be at increased risk for more severe reactions.

The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army/Navy, the Department of Defense or the US government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Allergy-Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Renata J. M. Engler M.D.

  2. Department of Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Bethesda, MD, USA

    Renata J. M. Engler M.D.

  3. North Texas Allergy & Asthma Associates, Dallas, TX, USA

    Howard C. Crisp M.D.

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  2. Howard C. Crisp M.D.
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Correspondence to Renata J. M. Engler M.D. .

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  1. San Antonio Allergy and Asthma Clinic, San Antonio, Texas, USA

    Theodore M. Freeman

  2. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates P.C., Omaha, Nebraska, USA

    James M. Tracy

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Engler, R.J.M., Crisp, H.C. (2017). Mosquito Hypersensitivity: Clinical Updates. In: Freeman, T., Tracy, J. (eds) Stinging Insect Allergy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46192-2_12

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