Allergen, Individual - Insect Mosquito Machhar (Aedes Communis)

The mosquitoes are a family of small, midge-like flies. A few species are harmless or even useful to humanity, however, most consume blood from living vertebrates, including humans. Various species of mosquitoes act as vectors for a range of diseases and transmit some of the most harmful human and livestock diseases. Most of the proteins in mosquito saliva are allergenic in humans; up to 19 allergens have been found in mosquito salivary gland extracts.

Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to a few hours after being bitten. Common symptoms of a mosquito allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• A puffy reddish bump appears shortly after the bite
• An itchy, hard, reddish-brown bump appears a day or so after the bite
• Dark spots that resemble bruises
• Small blisters instead of hard bumps
• A large area of swelling and redness
• Low-grade fever
• Hives
• Swollen lymph nodes

An allergy to mosquitos triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Associated Tests: Allergy - Adult (Comprehensive) Panel , Allergy Screening

Written by : Supriya Kulkarni, Lead-Content & Training

Reviewed by : Dr. Alap Christry M.D. AVP-Lab Operations & Scientific Business Head-Clinical Chemistry