Severe Hemorrhagic Syndrome After Lonomia Caterpillar Envenomation in the Western Brazilian Amazon: How Many More Cases Are There?

Wilderness Environ Med. 2017 Mar;28(1):46-50. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2016.11.001. Epub 2017 Jan 10.

Abstract

Contact with Lonomia caterpillars can cause a hemorrhagic syndrome. In Brazil, Lonomia obliqua and Lonomia achelous are known to cause this venom-induced disease. In the Brazilian Amazon, descriptions of this kind of envenomation are scarce. Herein, we report a severe hemorrhagic syndrome caused by Lonomia envenomation in the Amazonas state, Western Brazilian Amazon. The patient showed signs of hemorrhage lasting 8 days and required Lonomia antivenom administration, which resulted in resolution of hemorrhagic syndrome. Thus, availability of Lonomia antivenom as well as early antivenom therapy administration should be addressed across remote areas in the Amazon.

Keywords: Lonomia; antivenom; caterpillar envenomation; erucism; hemorrhagic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antivenins / therapeutic use
  • Brazil
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Insect Bites and Stings / drug therapy*
  • Insect Bites and Stings / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Moths*
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Antivenins