<i>Lonomia</i> Genus Caterpillar Envenomation: Clinical and Biological Aspects

Abstract

Persons who have been in contact with Lonomia achelous or Lonomia obliqua caterpillars present external and internal bleeding and opening of recently healed wounds. Hematological tests show normal platelet count, prolonged prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time, totally corrected by normal plasma. Decreased fibrinogen (Fg), factor (F) V, FXIII, plasminogen and α₂-antiplasmin with increased FVIII: C, von Willebrand factor, Fg degradation products and D dimers. Tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor and protein C varied. In L. achelous biological fluids, compounds with anticoagulant or procoagulant properties have been identified. In L. obliqua bristle extracts, mainly procoagulant activities have been identified. Subcutaneous injections of L. achelous crude extracts and a semipurified fraction reduce Fg, plasminogen and FXIII in rabbits. Intravenous injections of a very purified fraction of L. achelous in rabbits produce lysis of preformed thrombi, a decrease of Fg, plasminogen, α₂-antiplasmin, FXIII and inhibition of postthrombolytic thrombus growth. Subcutaneous injections of L. obliqua bristle extracts prolong prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time and reduce FXIII. Intravenous injections of crude bristle extract and a purified fraction of L. obliqua induce disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Caterpillar-induced bleeding syndrome in a returning traveller

“…Initial symptoms are usually mild, consisting of local burning pain, headache, nausea and vomiting. 1,3 As clotting factors are consumed through venom-induced activation of the coagulation system, bleeding manifestations, such as mucosal hemorrhages, hematuria and ecchymosis, become evident from 1 hour to 10 days after envenomation. Abnormal clotting parameters include prolonged prothrombin, partial thromboplastin and thrombin times, low to undetectable fibrinogen levels with increased fibrinogen degradation products, elevated D-dimer levels and absence of inhibitors.…”

“…Abnormal clotting parameters include prolonged prothrombin, partial thromboplastin and thrombin times, low to undetectable fibrinogen levels with increased fibrinogen degradation products, elevated D-dimer levels and absence of inhibitors. 1,3,4 Complications of Lonomia envenomation include alveolar hemorrhage, acute renal failure and intracranial hemorrhage. 5,6 Generally, patients with this syndrome have normal platelet and hemoglobin levels, minimal hemolysis and red blood cell fragmentation, and normal levels of factors II, VII, IX, X, XI, XII and antithrombin.…”

Niña con erucismo hemorrágico por Lonomia spp. reporte de un caso

“…Se considera que el aumento en frecuencia de los accidentes producidos por el contacto con las cerdas de estas orugas se debe a su migración, producto de la deforestación, la eliminación de predadores naturales y los cambios climáticos globales (3,4).…”

A catalog for the transcripts from the venomous structures of the caterpillar Lonomia obliqua: Identification of the proteins potentially involved in the coagulation disorder and hemorrhagic syndrome

“…caterpillars are known for causing a hemorrhagic syndrome characterized by ecchymoses, hematuria, bleeding from scars and mucous membranes, intracerebral bleeding and acute renal failure (Arocha-Piñango and Guerrero, 2001). In southern Brazil, accidents caused by L. obliqua caterpillars are reportedly increasing (Kelen et al, 1995).…”

“…Other active compounds such as phospholipases were also described in Lonomia sp. (for a review, see Arocha-Piñango and Guerrero, 2001). …”