The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

Anaphylaxis to Australian native ant venoms  

Native ants, mainly of the genus Myrmecia, are a major cause of life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis) in this country, affecting as many as 50,000 people. A number of species are involved, known variously as jack jumpers, jumper ants, hopper ants, bull ants, bull dog ants, sergeant ants and green ants.

Members of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) are undertaking a project that will provide an in-depth understanding of the ant species responsible.

We will develop a detailed national map of the species responsible for anaphylaxis, and compile a panel of reference venoms and allergic sera, so that accurate diagnostic tests and high quality venom extracts can be provided for human use.

We seek volunteers who have experienced allergic reactions
suspected to have been the result of sting(s) by an Australian native ant.

Study information is available for download from this web page:  Study enrolment information

You can either enrol directly through the national study coordination centre from anywhere in Australia, or we can direct you to a local investigator if one is available in your area.

Contact Details 

The national study coordination centre can be contacted by telephone, fax or email:

A/Prof Simon Brown or Ellen MacDonald RN

Emergency Medicine Research Unit
Department of Emergency Medicine, Fremantle Hospital
Alma Street, Fremantle, WA 6160
phone (08) 9431 3733    
fax (08) 9431 3073
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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