Paraparesis and paraesthesia following a black ant sting

Abstract

Hymenoptera stings can lead to a different range of local and systemic reactions. However, rare and unexpected reactions can develop and may be life threatening. In this paper, we present a 29-year-old female who developed anaphylactic shock followed by paraparesis and paraesthesia after a black ant sting. Her symptoms completely resolved after treatment with plasma exchange. Several studies have linked these neurological complications to delayed immunological reactions that are triggered by insect antigen.

Keywords

• black ant sting
• anaphylaxis
• paraparesis and paraesthesia