Bites of the European pigeon tick (Argas reflexus): Risk of IgE-mediated sensitizations and anaphylactic reactions.

Background: Local and systemic reactions can occur after bites of Argas reflexus (Argas), a soft tick parasitizing pigeons.

Objective: Risk assessment of IgE-mediated sensitizations and systemic reactions after Argas bites.

Methods: Case histories, skin prick tests (SPTs) with a whole-body extract of Argas containing major allergen Arg r 1, and common inhalants and specific IgE measurements were obtained from 148 subjects who had had Argas bites and 20 volunteers as a control group.