Skin Reactions to Pine Processionary Caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff

Abstract

Pine caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff, is a phyto- and xylophagous lepidopteran, responsible for the delay in the growth or the death of various types of pines. Besides nature damage, pine caterpillar causes dermatological reactions in humans by contact with its irritating larvae hairs. Although the dermatitis occurs among outdoor professionals, it is primarily extraprofessional. Contamination generally occurs in pinewoods, rarely in cities. Means of contamination comprise direct contact with the nest or the processional caterpillar and indirect contact with air dispersed hairs. The dermatitis is generally observed in late spring and particularly from April to June, among campers and tourers. The eruption has its onset 1–12 hours after contact with the hairs and presents with intense and continuous itching. Morphologically, it is strophulus-like and consists of papulous, excoriated, and pinkish lesions on an oedematous base. Diagnosis is usually straightforward. The pathogenetic mechanism of the affection is mechanical, pharmacological, and allergic in nature. Besides skin, T. pityocampa Schiff can involve the eyes and rarely the airways. Despite the considerable damages to humans and nature, pine caterpillar infestation is an underestimated problem; medical literature lists few studies, and often relevant information is referred to local media and popular wisdom.

Genetic diversity of Thaumetopoea pityocampa in Greece: the role of Quaternary changes in Aegean Sea

“…Even though mature trees are seldom killed by this insect, significant increment losses in both volume and diameter can be observed [7]. Dermatological reactions including anaphylaxis can also be caused by urticating hairs released by 4 th and 5 th instar caterpillars [8,9].These conditions increase their susceptibility towards secondary pests like bark beetles [3].…”

Mass‐trapping trials for the control of pine processionary moth in a pine woodland recreational area

“…Setae are considered a rich source of allergens (Lamy et al, 1986;Rodriguez-Mahillo et al, 2012). These enter the skin at the site of setae penetration, either through direct contact with live or dead larvae or as a result of wind dispersal (aero-mediated contamination), which can occur over considerable distances and lead to an immune response in infected people and animals (Artola-Bordás, Arnedo-Peña, Romeu-García, & Bellido-Blasco, 2008;Battisti, Larsson, & Roques, 2017;Bonamonte, Foti, Vestita, & Angelini, 2013;Julienne et al, 2015;Kaszak, Planellas, & Dworecka-Kaszak, 2015;Moneo et al, 2015;Pouzot-Nevoret et al, 2017;Rodriguez-Mahillo et al, 2012;Vega et al, 2011Vega et al, , 2003.…”

Reacções Cutâneas, Oculares e Respiratórias pela Processionária (Thaumetopoea Pityocampa)

“…These tests support the histaminergic urticarial activity of the substances, the necessity of skin scarification for the reaction to take place, as well as the need for hairs crushing in order to release the pathogenic substances. 20 SPT can be performed with a whole body extract and a setae extract, both from L5 larvae (Bial-Aristegui Laboratory, Bilbao, Spain). …”