Hb. Freye et al., ANAPHYLAXIS TO THE INGESTION AND INHALATION OF TENEBRIO-MOLITOR (MEALWORM) AND ZOPHOBAS-MORIO (SUPERWORM), ALLERGY AND ASTHMA PROCEEDINGS, 17(4), 1996, pp. 215-219
It has been well documented, worldwide, that inhalation and/or contact
with airborne particulate insect products has resulted in sensitivity
to insect proteins and is manifested by such common entities as derma
titis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and asthma. However, the deliberate i
ngestion of a variety of insects (undertaken to prove their edibility
and nutrient value) resulted in subsequent sensitization of some indiv
iduals. Such an outcome has not previously been reported in the litera
ture. The objective was to document the anaphylactic reaction to the p
urposeful ingestion of mealworm in an individual known to be sensitize
d to the inhalation of beetle larvae. We used the occasion of the Cent
ennial Celebration of The New York Entomological Society to expose mem
bers and guests of the Society to the ingestion of various insects. Th
e subjects of the study consisted of: 1) Three members who were advers
ely affected; 2) One individual with Baker's asthma; and 3) A number o
f controls with no known hypersensitivity to insect products. The inve
stigation was undertaken by food challenges, inhalation challenges, sk
in testing to the individual insect allergens, a) Tenebrio molitor (TM
), b) Zophobas morio (ZM), c) Blattella germanica (BG), skin testing t
o common indoors and outdoor allergens, and direct bind ELISA and ELIS
A inhibition. One individual manifesting hypersensitivity both by inge
stion and inhalation to mealworm was identified. This sensitivity was
documented clinically as well as by objective testing.