A hidden deadly venomous insect: First eco-epidemiological assessment and risk mapping of lonomism in Argentina

Abstract

Background Envenomation by the South American Lonomia saturniid caterpillars, named lonomism, constitutes an emerging and somewhat neglected public health issue in Argentina and neighboring countries. Considering that there is an intricate relationship between environment and human health in such cases, this study aimed to analyze the eco-epidemiological profile of 40 accidents and 33 occurrences of Lonomia spp. in Misiones (Argentina) between January 2014 and May 2020. Methodology/Principal findings We described the eco-epidemiological variables and characterized the abiotic scenario of such cases. Additionally, we obtained a density map that shows the punctual intensity of Lonomia records throughout Misiones. Most of the accidents occurred in the Department of Guaraní and involved male victims younger than 20 years old. The accidental/occasional occurrence of Lonomia spp. (considering both adult and caterpillar stages together) was significantly higher in the rural area, whereas only adult specimens were found in urban areas. We determined that the presence of this insect in Misiones is positively related to higher temperatures and solar radiation, and larger precipitation and evapotranspiration throughout the year. Conclusion/Significance This study represents an initial step towards the global understanding of lonomism as a public health problem in Argentina. It provides a map of the risk level for this envenomation in Misiones, which could help authorities address public health policy efforts to implement sustainable strategies for prevention and response to this threat in Northeastern Argentina and neighboring regions.

Deadly and venomous Lonomia caterpillars are more than the two usual suspects

“…Our survey of the available epidemiological information produced data for six countries in South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, and Venezuela, as well as French Guiana, with records of hemorrhagic syndromes after accidental contact with caterpillars of Lonomia ( S2 Table ) [ 13 ] [ 18 ],[ 47 ]. In Argentina, most cases have been recorded in Misiones, where eight cases from seven localities were documented between 2010 and 2015.…”

“…Casafús et al . 2021 reported 40 cases, from January 2014 to May 2020, occurring in 15 localities in Misiones province, where males under 20 years old were the most affected, suggesting an occupational risk of exposure [ 18 ].…”

“…In Brazil, 1,930 accidents involving Lonomia caterpillars were recorded between 2001 and 2006, 70% of which were in the southern and 20% in the southeastern regions of the country ( Fig 4 ). According to [ 48 ], 6,636 cases of envenomation by Lonomia were reported in Brazil between 2007 and 2018, predominantly located in the Southern and Southeastern regions [ 18 ]. Additionally, from 2007 to 2017, 27,263 accidents with caterpillars (not only Lonomia ) were recorded, 42% in the Southern, 39% in the Southeastern, and 10% in the northeastern parts of Brazil.…”

“…Five of these involved children under the age of 17 years, one of them fatal despite the use of antivenom (S2 Table ). Casafu ´s et al 2021 reported 40 cases, from January 2014 to May 2020, occurring in 15 localities in Misiones province, where males under 20 years old were the most affected, suggesting an occupational risk of exposure [18].…”

“…Although the epidemiology of Lonomia envenomation in Colombia remains insufficiently documented, accidents reported to the National Institute of Health in Colombia suggest that about 10 cases occur each year. Accidents have also been reported in Peru in 2006, 2010 and 2016 [ 14 ], [ 15 ] (species unidentified), in Argentina [ 16 ], [ 7 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ] (all cases from Misiones province and attributed to L . obliqua ) and in French Guiana [ 19 ],[ 20 ] (attributed to L .…”