ANAPHYLAXIS TO THE INGESTION AND INHALATION OF TENEBRIO-MOLITOR (MEALWORM) AND ZOPHOBAS-MORIO (SUPERWORM)

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.