A patient is stung by Solenopsis richteri? What were they stung by?
Fire ants specifically solenopsis richteri, solenopsis invicta and solenopsis invicta x richteri are found in the southern parts of the US. Their stings result in local reactions; large local reactions and systemic reactions. Immobile patients are at highest risk for fire ant attacks. Solenopsins are believed to inhibit myocardial contractility which is the presumed mechanism of severe, systemic toxicity. (deShazo R et al. Fire ant attacks on patients in nursing homes: An increasing problem. Am J Med 2004; 115:843-846. )
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