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

Caterpillars of the Neotropical genus Lonomia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are responsible for some fatal envenomation of humans in South America inducing hemostatic disturbances in patients upon skin contact with the caterpillars’ spines. Currently, only two species have been reported to cause hemorrhagic syndromes in humans: Lonomia achelous and Lonomia obliqua. However, species identifications have remained largely unchallenged despite improved knowledge of venom diversity and growing evidence that the taxonomy used over past decades misrepresents and underestimates species diversity. Here, we revisit the taxonomic diversity and distribution of Lonomia species using the most extensive dataset assembled to date, combining DNA barcodes, morphological comparisons, and geographical information. Considering new evidence for seven undescribed species as well as three newly proposed nomenclatural changes, our integrative approach leads to the recognition of 60 species, of which seven are known or strongly suspected to cause severe envenomation in humans. From a newly compiled synthesis of epidemiological data, we also examine the consequences of our results for understanding Lonomia envenomation risks and call for further investigations of other species’ venom activities. This is required and necessary to improve alertness in areas at risk, and to define adequate treatment strategies for envenomed patients, including performing species identification and assessing the efficacy of anti-Lonomia serums against a broader diversity of species.

Hemostatic disorders induced by skin contact with Lonomia obliqua (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) caterpillars.

Patients envenomed by Lonomia sp caterpillars initially experience a mild burning pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and skin and mucosal hemorrhages. Some patients can rapidly progress to a severe coagulopathy that presents as visceral or intracerebral hemorrhaging. We studied the hemostatic alterations that occurred in 14 patients who were envenomed by Lonomia obliqua in Southern Brazil and presented at the Hospital São Vicente de Paulo (Passo Fundo, RS), Brazil during the summers of 1993 and 1994 when Lonomia antivenom was not yet available for treatment. The patients were classified into to 4 clinical groups: 0 (two patients), I (eight patients), II (two patients), and III (two patients). The patients were admitted to the hospital between 4 hours and five days after contact with the caterpillars. In this study, the coagulation parameters of the patients were followed up for up to 172 hours after the accidents. The patients received no treatment with the exceptions of two patients who received blood transfusions and antifibrinolytic treatment. The observed abnormalities related to blood coagulation and fibrinolytic factors were similar regardless of the severity of the bleeding symptoms. These findings suggest that alterations in hemostatic parameters without thrombocytopenia are not predictors of the seriousness of such accidents. Thus, consumptive disorder and reactive fibrinolysis are not proportional to mild coagulopathy. Furthermore, these patients recovered. The hemostatic parameters of most of the patients normalized between 96 and 120 h after the accident.

Hemostatic disorders induced by skin contact with Lonomia obliqua (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) caterpillars

Patients envenomed by Lonomia sp caterpillars initially experience a mild burning pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and skin and mucosal hemorrhages. Some patients can rapidly progress to a severe coagulopathy that presents as visceral or intracerebral hemorrhaging. We studied the hemostatic alterations that occurred in 14 patients who were envenomed by Lonomia obliqua in Southern Brazil and presented at the Hospital Sao Vicente de Paulo (Passo Fundo, RS), Brazil during the summers of 1993 and 1994 when Lonomia antivenom was not yet available for treatment. The patients were classified into to 4 clinical groups: 0 (two patients), I (eight patients), II (two patients), and III (two patients). The patients were admitted to the hospital between 4 hours and five days after contact with the caterpillars. In this study, the coagulation parameters of the patients were followed up for up to 172 hours after the accidents. The patients received no treatment with the exceptions of two patients who received blood transfusions and antifibrinolytic treatment. The observed abnormalities related to blood coagulation and fibrinolytic factors were similar regardless of the severity of the bleeding symptoms. These findings suggest that alterations in hemostatic parameters without thrombocytopenia are not predictors of the seriousness of such accidents. Thus, consumptive disorder and reactive fibrinolysis are not proportional to mild coagulopathy. Furthermore, these patients recovered. The hemostatic parameters of most of the patients normalized between 96 and 120 h after the accident.

Antiviral activity of hemolymph of Podalia against rubella virus

Many active principles produced by animals, plants and microorganisms have been employed in the development of new drugs for the treatment of human diseases. Among animals known to produce pharmacologically active molecules that interfere in human cell physiology. Rubella virus (genus Rubivirus, family Togaviridae) is a single stranded RNA virus of positive genome polarity. Rubella virus infection of susceptible women during the first trimester of pregnancy often results in long-term virus persistence in the fetus causing multiple organ abnormalities. Potent antiviral activity against rubella virus (RV) has been observed in the hemolymph of Podalia sp. (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae). This study evaluated the effect of hemolymph on RV infected Statens Serum Institute Rabbit Cornea (SIRC) cells. Results of cell viability and cell proliferation assays indicated that hemolymph was not toxic to cultured SIRC cells. Viral binding assay, antiviral assay, PCR, real-time PCR, and transmission electron microscopy were used to demonstrate that hemolymph in post-treatment could inhibit the production of infectious RV particles. Specifically, hemolymph was found to inhibit RV adsorption to the SIRC cells.

Hemostatic disorders induced by skin contact with Lonomia obliqua (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) caterpillars

ABSTRACT Patients envenomed by Lonomia sp caterpillars initially experience a mild burning pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and skin and mucosal hemorrhages. Some patients can rapidly progress to a severe coagulopathy that presents as visceral or intracerebral hemorrhaging. We studied the hemostatic alterations that occurred in 14 patients who were envenomed by Lonomia obliqua in Southern Brazil and presented at the Hospital São Vicente de Paulo (Passo Fundo, RS), Brazil during the summers of 1993 and 1994 when Lonomia antivenom was not yet available for treatment. The patients were classified into to 4 clinical groups: 0 (two patients), I (eight patients), II (two patients), and III (two patients). The patients were admitted to the hospital between 4 hours and five days after contact with the caterpillars. In this study, the coagulation parameters of the patients were followed up for up to 172 hours after the accidents. The patients received no treatment with the exceptions of two patients who received blood transfusions and antifibrinolytic treatment. The observed abnormalities related to blood coagulation and fibrinolytic factors were similar regardless of the severity of the bleeding symptoms. These findings suggest that alterations in hemostatic parameters without thrombocytopenia are not predictors of the seriousness of such accidents. Thus, consumptive disorder and reactive fibrinolysis are not proportional to mild coagulopathy. Furthermore, these patients recovered. The hemostatic parameters of most of the patients normalized between 96 and 120 h after the accident.

The urticating apparatus in the caterpillar of Lonomia obliqua (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae).

The presence of specialized cells for venom production in the Lonomia obliqua caterpillar has long been a controversial topic. In this study, we identify a cell inside the spine that specializes in the production of toxins. Our histological study showed that this glandular cell was inserted at the subapical region of the spine, in a constricted region like a ring. This cell type was not observed in all spines of the scolus. The constricted region of the spine observed by scanning electron microscopy displayed a circular groove in which the apical portion of the spine fits perfectly; however, some spines in the same scolus lacked this groove. After breaking off the spine at the most apical region, a small drop of orange or green liquid was observed to flow from its tip. These secretions were analysed by MALDI-ToF and found to possess biochemically different compositions. The green secretion demonstrated greater similarity to the haemolymph of the caterpillar than the orange secretion. Based on our findings, the spines with a groove probably contain the venom glands and produce an orange secretion. However, it is also possible that both secretions play an important role in envenoming because all spines in contact with the skin of the accidental victim should break regardless of whether they are present in a groove.

Acidente humano por megalopyge lanata (Lepidoptera: megalopygidae) em área urbana do município de Uberlândia, MG, Brasil / Human accident caused by Mmegalopyge lanata (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae) in the urban area of Uberlândia, Brazil

Este trabalho descreve caso de acidente humano causado por lagarta da espécie Megalopyge lanata. A criança apresentou quadro de edema, eritema, dor intensa e sonolência, evoluindo parabradicardia, sintoma pouco comum em acidentes com esta espécie. Ressalta-se a importância da correta identificação da espécie causadora do acidente para que medidas de suporte adequadas sejam adotadas pelos profissionais de saúde nestes casos. Além disso, este é o primeiro relato de acidente causado por este lepidóptero na região de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil.

This paper describes a human accident caused by a caterpillar of the species Megalopyge lanata. The child presented edema, erythema, intense pain and drowsiness which progressed tobradycardia, a rare symptom in accidents with this species. We emphasize the importance of thecorrect identification of the species that cause such accidents to enable health professionals to adopt appropriate supportive measures in these cases. Moreover, this is the first report of an accident caused by this lepidopteron in the region of Uberlândia city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

Description of an injury in a human caused by a false tocandira (Dinoponera gigantea, Perty, 1833) with a revision on folkloric, pharmacological and clinical aspects of the giant ants of the genera Paraponera and Dinoponera (sub-family Ponerinae).

The authors observed an injury caused by the sting of a false tocandira ant in the hand of an amateur fisherman and they describe the clinical findings and the evolution of the envenoming, which presented an acute and violent pain, cold sweating, nausea, a vomiting episode, malaise, tachycardia and left axillary's lymphadenopathy. About three hours after the accident, still feeling intense pain in the place of the sting, he presented an episode of great amount of blood in the feces with no history of digestive, hematological or vascular problems. The intense pain decreased after eight hours, but the place stayed moderately painful for about 24 hours. In that moment, he presented small grade of local edema and erythema. The authors still present the folkloric, pharmacological and clinical aspects related to the tocandiras stings, a very interesting family of ants, which presents the largest and more venomous ants of the world.

Description of an injury in a human caused by a false tocandira (Dinoponera gigantea, Perty, 1833) with a revision on folkloric, pharmacological and clinical aspects of the giant ants of the genera Paraponera and Dinoponera (sub-family Ponerinae)

A partir de um acidente causado pela picada de uma formiga falsa tocandira na mão de um pescador amador, os autores descrevem os achados clínicos locais observados, tais como edema, eritema e dor excruciante e a evolução do envenenamento, que cursou com fenômenos sistêmicos imediatos, como sudorese fria, náuseas, vômitos, mal estar, taquicardia e linfadenopatia axilar à esquerda. Após três horas, a dor intensa persistia e o paciente apresentou um episódio de hematoquesia, sem história anterior de enfermidades do trato digestivo, hematológicas ou vasculares. O uso de analgésicos (Tramal® 300 mg/dia), água quente e gelo não melhorou a dor, que arrefeceu em oito horas, tendo permanecido por cerca de 24 horas. São apresentados ainda os aspectos folclóricos, farmacológicos e clínicos relacionados às picadas de tocandiras.

Skin lesions caused by stink bugs (Insecta Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) first report of dermatological injuries in humans

Hemipterans of the family Pentatomidae (stink bugs)have large populations found mainly in tropical regions.1They are easily recognized by their shield-like shape indorsal view, showing a triangular mark, and by the noxiousodor they eject . Some species are phytophagous,and others are predators.

Observações sobre oviposição, eclosão e tempo de vida de Triatoma matogrossensis Leite & Barbosa, 1953 (Hemipetera-Reduviidae) em função da alimentação em pombos e coelhos / A study on egg laying, egg hatching and life span of Triatoma matogrossensis Leite & Barbosa, 1953 ( Hemiptera-Reduviidae), influenced by bloodmeal on both pigeons and rabbits

Estudou-se em laboratório a influência de duas diferentes fontes de alimentaçYo sobre oviposiçYo, eclosYo dos ovos e tempo de vida de casais de Triatoma matogrossensis. Foram observados 68 casais separados em quatro diferentes grupos, com 20, 12, 20 e 16 casais, respectivamente. Os grupos Al e A2 foram alimentados em pombos e os grupos C1 e C 2 em coelhos. Os casais foram mantidos em estufa a 26ºñ 2ºC e UR de 60-80 por cento, com fotoperíodo de 14 horas. O maior número de ovos postos foi encontrado no grupo Al. NYo houve diferença na proporçYo de ovos eclodidos dos grupos alimentados em coelhos ou pombos. NYo foram observadas diferenças de tempo de vida entre machos e fêmeas dos quatro grupos, entretanto o grupo A1 apresentou o maior tempo de sobrevivência e o grupo C2 o menor

Observaçöes / A study

Estudou-se em laboratório a influência de duas diferentes fontes de alimentaçÝo sobre oviposiçÝo, eclosÝo dos ovos e tempo de vida de casais de Triatoma matogrossensis. Foram observados 68 casais separados em quatro diferentes grupos, com 20, 12, 20 e 16 casais, respectivamente. Os grupos Al e A2 foram alimentados em pombos e os grupos C1 e C 2 em coelhos. Os casais foram mantidos em estufa a 26§ñ 2§C e UR de 60-80 por cento, com fotoperíodo de 14 horas. O maior número de ovos postos foi encontrado no grupo Al. NÝo houve diferença na proporçÝo de ovos eclodidos dos grupos alimentados em coelhos ou pombos. NÝo foram observadas diferenças de tempo de vida entre machos e fêmeas dos quatro grupos, entretanto o grupo A1 apresentou o maior tempo de sobrevivência e o grupo C2 o menor

Fecundidade de fêmeas de Triatoma vitticeps (Stal., 1859) e viabilidade de ovos em razäo fo tempo de permanência com os machos / Fecundity and eggs viability of female Triatoma vitticeps (Stal., 1859) in relationship to male presence

Este experimento tem como finalidade verificar a oviposiçäo de fêmeas de Triatoma vitticeps e a viavilidade dos ovos em razäo do tempo de permanência com os machos. Foram observados 131 casais, separados em cinco grupos: A, B, C, D, E, com 20, 23, 21, 20 e 47 casais respectivamente. Neste grupos, machos e fêmeas permaneceram acasalados durante 7, 14, 21, 42 3 84 dias. Os exemplares foram mantidos em estufa a 26ºC ñ 2ºC e UR 60-80 por cento, com fotoperíodo de 14 horas e alimentados em pombo a cada 14 dias. Os resultados mais satisfatórios referentes a posturas e eclosöes foram encontrados nos grupos C e D.

Surtos epidêmicos de dermatite causada por mariposas do gênero Hylesia (Lepidóptera: Hemileucidae) no Estado de Säo Paulo, Brasil / Epidemic outbreaks of dermatitis caused by Hylesia (Lepidoptera: Hemileucidae), in S. Paulo State, Brazil

Surtos epidêmicos de dermatite causada por Hylesia sp foram assinalados no litoral do Estado de Säo Paulo, no período de dezembro de 1989 a dezembro de 1991. O fenômeno assumiu sua maior intensidade em Bertioga, Município de Santos, onde foram registrados 612 casos. Foram atingidos outros 12 municípios da regiäo, estimando-se que algumas centenas de casos procuraram os serviços de saúde locais. Na maioria dos casos verificou-se lesöes eritemato-pápulo-pruriginosas, que regrediram em média de 7 a 14 dias. Para tratamento foram utilizados anti-histamímicos sistêmicos corticosteróides tópicos e compressas frias. Ocorreram três episódios no período citado, todos eles coincidindo com o início da estaçäo chuvosa (novembro a janeiro). A cada episódio verificou-se um deslocamento do fenômeno no sentido Norte-Sul. A principal medida profilática utilizada foi a divulgaçäo, junto à populaçäo, das medidas de reduçäo de exposiçäo ao agente. Para prédios com elevada infestaçäo por mariposas, foi estudada a efetividade da aplicaçäo de inseticida residual, como medida de reduçäo dos níveis de infestaçäo por mariposas. Obteve-se resultados satisfatórios com deltametrina na dose de 50mg/m**2 de parede