[Allergy to the bites of blood-sucking insects: clinical manifestations].

Blood-sucking insects and other arthropods may occur allergic reactions when stinging. Usually, inflammatory symptoms are mild with a locoregional extension. Pruritus may be painful and sometimes patients experienced a functional impotency. Systemic reactions are possible. Anaphylaxis is rare and rather observed with ticks (Ixodes and Argas) and kissing-bugs. The circumstances and mechanisms of the sting related to the knowledge of the insect biology elicit the clinical symptoms. Skin prick-tests are usually not practicable. Indeed, the diagnosis remains based upon anamnestic and entomological data because the poor sensibility of in vitro tests. However, some immunological investigations gave signs of interest for prospective studies. Symptomatic drugs and prevention advices must be purchased for exposed patients.