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