Cantharidin poisoning due to blister beetle ingestion in children: two case reports and a review of clinical presentations

Cantharidin is an intoxicant found in beetles in the Meloidae [Coleoptera] family. Ingestion may result in haematemesis, impaired level of consciousness, electrolyte disturbance, haematurea and renal impairment. Here, we report two paediatric cases of meloid beetle ingestion resulting in cantharidin poisoning and the clinical presentation of the ensuing intoxication