Mosquito
Summary
Aedes aegypti is one of over 3000 species of mosquito, belonging to the Culicidae family. Females feed primarily on mammals by biting the skin, injecting saliva, and extracting blood. The saliva that is inoculated into the body induces cutaneous, and occasionally systemic, reactions.
Epidemiology
Worldwide distribution
Mosquito allergy occurs worldwide, anywhere where mosquitoes and humans interact, and is common in climates that favor the mosquito life cycle, such as tropical and subtropical regions.
Route Of Exposure
Main
Injection of mosquito saliva.
Clinical Relevance
Ae. aegypti saliva contains more than a hundred proteins, some of which induce cutaneous, and occasionally systemic, reactions in sensitized individuals.
Allergens in mosquito saliva can induce both immediate type I hypersensitivity reactions and delayed type 4 hypersensitivity reactions. Type I hypersensitivity reactions involve IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation that leads to vasodilation and pruritus within a few minutes of being bitten. Wheals and erythema rapidly develop at the site of the bite. Delayed type 4 hypersensitivity reactions consist of non-specific infiltrates with macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils and CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes. Delayed reactions are characterized by the appearance of an indurated papule 12–24 hours following the bite, and persisting for several days. In rare instances, systemic reactions occur, involving by generalized urticaria, angioedema, wheezing, and anaphylaxis.
Cross-Reactivity
Saliva-derived allergens from mosquitoes can also cross-react with proteins from bees.
In a study of individuals with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in Martinique, cross-reactivity was seen between A. aegypti and mite species; A. aegypti cross reacted with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (96.6%), Litopenaeus vannamei (95.4%), Blomia tropicalis (84.4%), and Periplaneta americana (75.4%).
References
- Liu-Helmersson J, Brännström Å, Sewe MO, Semenza JC, Rocklöv J. Estimating Past, Present, and Future Trends in the Global Distribution and Abundance of the Arbovirus Vector Aedes aegypti Under Climate Change Scenarios. Front Public Health. 2019;7:148.
- CABI. Aedes aegypti Wallingford, UK2019 [cited 2022 10.01.21]. Available from: https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/94883.
- Conway MJ. Type I hypersensitivity promotes Aedes aegypti blood feeding. Scientific Reports. 2021;11(1):14891.
- Opasawatchai A, Yolwong W, Thuncharoen W, Inrueangsri N, Itsaradisaikul S, Sasisakulporn C, et al. Novel salivary gland allergens from tropical mosquito species and IgE reactivity in allergic patients. World Allergy Organ J. 2020;13(2):100099.
- Hemmer W, Wantke F. Insect hypersensitivity beyond bee and wasp venom allergy. Allergol Select. 2020;4:97-104.
- Cantillo JF, Puerta L, Lafosse-Marin S, Subiza JL, Caraballo L, Fernandez-Caldas E. Allergens involved in the cross-reactivity of Aedes aegypti with other arthropods. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2017;118(6):710-8.
- Allergome.org. Mosquito 2021 [cited 2022 10.01.22]. Available from: http://www.allergome.org/script/search_step2.php.
- Scala E, Pirrotta L, Uasuf CG, Mistrello G, Amato S, Guerra EC, et al. <b><i>Aedes communis</i></b> Reactivity Is Associated with Bee Venom Hypersensitivity: An in vitro and in vivo Study. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. 2018;176(2):101-5.