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

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.