Caterpillar Hairs Research Articles

Caterpillar Hair Allergy and Acute Pancreatitis: A New Member to the Causative List of Acute Pancreatitis

Caterpillar Hair Allergy and Acute Pancreatitis: A New Member to the Causative List of Acute Pancreatitis

Intraocular caterpillar hair, twenty years and more

Intraocular caterpillar hair, twenty years and more

Quiescent caterpillar hair: A rare cause of localised lenticular opacity formation.

To report a rare case of a 65 year old patient with a single caterpillar hair with localised lenticular opacity around it and no active inflammation. A single quiescent caterpillar hair embedded in the anterior lens capsule causing localised cataract around it. There was no other sign of ocular toxicosis and the patient was unaware of the presence of this intraocular foreign body. Caterpillar hair (also known as setae) are a common cause of ophthalmia nodosa. These setae can penetrate intraocularly with ease to cause various forms of ocular toxicosis ranging from conjunctivitis, keratitis, pars planitis, chorioretinitis to even severe vitritis warranting enucleation. As per our knowledge and experience, no case of caterpillar hair without inflammation has been reported till date. We hereby report a rare case of a 65 year old patient with a single caterpillar hair embedded in the anterior lens capsule causing localised cataract around it without any active inflammation. In our opinion, if the eye is quiescent, the patient should be kept on close and long term follow-up and active intervention can be undertaken at the first instance of inflammation or if cataract progresses.

Vitreoretinal involvement of caterpillar hairs

Vitreoretinal involvement of caterpillar hairs

THE HAIRY PHOENIX.

To report a case a patient of anterior uveitis, iris neovascularization, high IOP and vasculitis in a patient with subconjunctival and intra ocular caterpillar hair. Case report. A 30-year-old man complaining of episodes of blurring of vision and colored haloes in his LE was referred for high IOP that was uncontrolled despite maximum tolerable medication in LE. He was diagnosed as a case of Posner Schlossman syndrome in view of signs of anterior uveitis. He was also noted to have retinal hemorrhages in the peripheral fundus with peripheral vasculitis and capillary non perfusion areas. He underwent an uneventful trabeculectomy. During surgery caterpillar hair were noted in his inferior conjunctiva that were removed. Later a seta was also found in the vitreous in supertemporal quadrant. The case is an unusual presentation of caterpillar hair masquerading as a Posner Sclhossman syndrome.

Exposing ophthalmia nodosa – The double eversion way

Ophthalmia nodosa is an inflammatory response of ocular tissue to caterpillar hair or any other insect hair that comes in contact with the eye. A young child with a painful red eye was found to have a dead caterpillar embedded in the upper tarsal conjunctiva. We describe the management and the need for creating awareness among doctors for timely suspicion of a foreign body.

Multiple migratory caterpillar hairs in the eye – A case report

A 40-year-old male presented with a history of caterpillar fall in his right eye with subsequent foreign body feeling, discomfort, and redness to a tertiary care facility in southern India. His best corrected visual acuity in both eyes was 6/6. The IOP in both eyes were within normal range. Multiple caterpillar hairs were seen during a thorough examination of the right eye, in the palpebral conjunctiva, the superficial and deep corneal stroma, and the anterior chamber. There was no anterior chamber reaction. The fundus examination were within normal limits. Under topical anaesthesia, caterpillar hairs in the conjunctiva were removed with the help of forceps. The patient was started on topical steroids and antibiotics. The patient was carefully monitored. The patient's symptoms had improved. During the next visit, caterpillar hairs in the superficial cornea was removed. Despite having hairs in the anterior chamber, this patient had no anterior or posterior chamber reactivity. Two hairs on the iris were visible during the next follow-up, but there were none in the cornea or conjunctiva. The patient is still being followed up on regular basis (9 months). Caterpillar hairs have the capacity to move intraocularly through the cornea and are known to elicit an inflammatory response in the eye. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential for intraocular inflammation following the quiescent stage.

Ophthalmia nodosa presenting as pan-uveitis and infective scleral abscess

A 38-year-old gentleman presented with bilateral ocular inflammation following fall of caterpillar hair. Examination revealed caterpillar hairs embedded in the palpebral conjunctiva, corneal abrasions, and anterior chamber reaction. The hairs were removed and topical antibiotics were initiated. Later, he presented with multiple scleral abscesses, retinal exudates, and sub-tenons fluid on B scan. The scleral abscesses were drained and treated with appropriate antibiotics and oral steroids. The abscesses and retinal exudates resolved with scleral thinning. This is the first report of ophthalmia nodosum presenting with scleral abscesses and panuveitis.

Clinical profile and outcomes of ophthalmia nodosa in South India: A retrospective study

Aim: The aim of the study was to report the clinical presentation, course, and final outcomes of ophthalmia nodosa and create awareness among general ophthalmologists regarding the disease. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the cases of ophthalmia nodosa was carried out from January 2018 to December 2018. Ninety-eight eyes were included in the study. Results: Patients presented with redness (76.53%), foreign-body sensation (61.91%), pain (48.98%), lacrimation (28.57%), and photophobia (7.14%). Hairs were found in the conjunctiva in 63.26%, cornea in 39.80%, anterior chamber in 4.08%, lens in 3.06%, and vitreous in 8.16%. Patients with anterior segment involvement responded well to treatment, which included caterpillar hair removal, topical steroids, and cycloplegics. Patients with retinal exudates responded to therapy which included systemic antibiotics and steroids. Multiple sittings of hair removal were required in 38.78% of patients. Follow-up of the patients ranged from a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 180 days. Conclusion: Ophthalmia nodosa is a relatively common condition in this part of the world. It has a good outcome when timely diagnosed and appropriately managed.

Human Chondrocyte Activation by Toxins From Premolis semirufa, an Amazon Rainforest Moth Caterpillar: Identifying an Osteoarthritis Signature.

Pararamosis is a disease that occurs due to contact with the hairs of the larval stage of the Brazilian moth Premolis semirufa. Envenomation induces osteoarticular alterations with cartilage impairment that resembles joint synovitis. Thus, the toxic venom present in the caterpillar hairs interferes with the phenotype of the cells present in the joints, resulting in inflammation and promoting tissue injury. Therefore, to address the inflammatory mechanisms triggered by envenomation, we studied the effects of P. semirufa hair extract on human chondrocytes. We have selected for the investigation, cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), complement components, eicosanoids, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components related to OA and RA. In addition, for measuring protein-coding mRNAs of some molecules associated with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), reverse transcription (RT) was performed followed by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and we performed the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the chondrocytes transcriptome. In the supernatant of cell cultures treated with the extract, we observed increased IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, prostaglandin E2, metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-13), and complement system components (C3, C4, and C5). We noticed a significant decrease in both aggrecan and type II collagen and an increase in HMGB1 protein in chondrocytes after extract treatment. RNA-seq analysis of the chondrocyte transcriptome allowed us to identify important pathways related to the inflammatory process of the disease, such as the inflammatory response, chemotaxis of immune cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Thus, these results suggest that components of Premolis semirufa hair have strong inflammatory potential and are able to induce cartilage degradation and ECM remodeling, promoting a disease with an osteoarthritis signature. Modulation of the signaling pathways that were identified as being involved in this pathology may be a promising approach to develop new therapeutic strategies for the control of pararamosis and other inflammatory joint diseases.

Comparing in-vivo confocal microscopy and ex-vivo light and scanning electron microscopy images of the hairs of the pine processionary caterpillar embedded in the cornea: Report of three cases

This report describes three cases of pine processionary caterpillar hairs (setae) embedded in the cornea: one in a 69-year-old man with acute keratouveitis, a second case in a 65-year-old man with an epithelial defect and a stromal infiltrate, and the third case affecting a 54-year-old woman with mild keratitis. The two first patients had one hair embedded in the anterior corneal layers while the last one had several hairs deeply embedded in the stroma. By comparing in-vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) with ex-vivo light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, the morphology of the setae was identified and confirmed.

Focal cortical cataract due to caterpillar hair migration

Focal cortical cataract due to caterpillar hair migration

Réactions allergiques et dermatites à Thaumetopoea pityocampa. Revue critique à propos d’un cas

A case of acute pruritic dermatitis occurring in an adult provided us with an opportunity to review the symptoms associated with pine processionary caterpillars. While out picking mushrooms in a pine forest, the patient developed pruritus (some 30minutes after entering the pine forest in which certain trees were infested with processionary caterpillars) and a papular rash occurred several hours later. The diagnosis was based on patient history, which included previous episodes, the appearance of the lesions, and negative allergy tests for allergens likely to occur in this biotope. Our case report is accompanied by a critical literature review. Allergy to pine processionary caterpillars is not associated with allergy to adult butterflies (imago) of the species. The allergenic protein (thaumetopoein) causes local and regional allergic reactions on exposed areas of skin and in conjunctival and respiratory mucosa (nasal, tracheal, bronchial). The major allergen is Tha p 2; a recombinant allergen, r Tha p 2, exists. Individuals allergic to pine processionary caterpillars may include professionals (forest workers) and non-professionals (walkers, holidaymakers, mushroom gatherers, etc.). Symptoms involve irritation (strophulus-like rash associated with urticating caterpillar hairs) or they may be IgE-dependent (conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, and even anaphylaxis). Diagnosis is made primarily on clinical grounds. Prevention requires both individual and collective measures (nationally coordinated combat against the propagation of processionary caterpillars). It should also be noted that animals (particularly dogs) may also be affected, with potentially extremely serious symptoms in the event of ingestion.

Migratory Caterpillar Hairs: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Migratory Caterpillar Hairs: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Caterpillar hairs as an anti-parasitoid defence.

Caterpillar hairs are thought to act as a physical barrier against natural enemies, including parasitoids. However, very few studies have experimentally demonstrated how hairs protect caterpillars from parasitoid oviposition. To clarify the importance of caterpillar hairs as an anti-parasitoid defence, we observed the generalist endoparasitoid Meteorus pulchricornis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) attacking both smooth and hairy caterpillars under laboratory conditions. A female Meteorus pulchricornis uses its ovipositor to inject venom and lay a single egg inside host larvae. We placed a smooth Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) caterpillar or a hairy Lymantria dispar japonica (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) caterpillar in front of parasitoid females. We observed that 100% and 84% of the parasitoids could successfully stab their ovipositors into the smooth larvae of S. litura and first instars of the hairy caterpillar L. dispar japonica, respectively. However, only 24% of parasitoids could successfully stab their ovipositors into second-instar L. dispar japonica. A higher rate of successful stabs (94%) by parasitoids was obtained by cutting the hairs of second instar L. dispar japonica much shorter than the parasitoid ovipositor. The results demonstrate that the long, thick hairs of second and later instars of L. dispar japonica function as a physical barrier against parasitoid oviposition.

A Hairy Affair: Ophthalmia nodosa Due to Caterpillar Hairs

ABSTRACTPurpose: To study different clinical presentations, course, and final outcomes of ophthalmia nodosa, a rare disease caused by hairs of the caterpillar.Methods: A total of 29 eyes of 17 patients with the disease presenting to our institute in 2013 were included.Results: Patients presented with foreign body sensation (94%), photophobia (88%), lacrimation (82%), redness (94%), and eyelid edema (82%). Hairs were found in the conjunctiva (89.6%), cornea (65.5%), and even anterior chamber (3.4%). There was a conjunctival nodule in two eyes (6.8%). Resolution of symptoms occurred in 3–21 days. Treatment included topical steroids, cycloplegia, and removal of hairs with forceps. More than one sitting was required in 17 eyes (62.9%) due to reactional inflammation, precluding visualization of all the hairs.Conclusions: Ophthalmia nodosa is a relatively rare condition with subtle findings, which can be missed, causing considerable discomfort to the patient if the hairs are not removed.

Foreign-body conjunctival granuloma secondary to finger-nail trauma


 A foreign body lodged in the conjunctiva can trigger a granuloma formation. In the past, cilia, caterpillar hair, insect wing and fibers have been reported to incite foreignbody granuloma formation in the eye. Trauma to the eye with finger nail is frequently encountered but goes unnoticed among the pediatric population. Finger-nail trauma to the eye leading to a mass has not been reported in literature. We hereby report a case of conjunctival foreign-body granuloma in a seven-year-old child following finger-nail trauma. Excision biopsy and histopathology of the mass affirmed the diagnosis.

Caterpillar hair as a physical barrier against invertebrate predators

Predation has led to the evolution of defensive armor in prey species. The dense and long hairs of caterpillars (i.e., lepidopteran larvae) are generally believed to play an important role as a physical defence against predators. However, few studies have been undertaken to investigate how hairs protect caterpillars from a predator’s weapons. To determine the importance of caterpillar hairs as a defensive armor, we observed adults of Calosoma maximowiczi (Carabidae) attacking 5 caterpillar species with different hairiness under laboratory conditions. Carabids used their mandibles to catch caterpillars and thereafter fed on them. Almost all the larvae of 3 smooth species and a short-haired species were easily caught by carabids during their first attack. However, 53.2% of larvae in a long-haired species Lemyra imparilis (Erebidae: Arctiinae) were able to escape from carabid attacks. Even when Lemyra larvae were finally eaten, carabids required a larger number of attacks to catch Lemyra larvae. Dorsal hairs of Lemyra larvae were much longer than the mandible length of carabid adults for any body size, suggesting that the dorsal hairs can function as a physical barrier against carabid attacks. To test the hypothesis, we cut the dorsal hairs of Lemyra larvae shorter than the carabids’ mandibles. Cutting the dorsal hairs of Lemyra larvae resulted in fewer carabid attacks with higher success rates. Therefore, we conclude that long hairs can protect Lemyra larvae from carabid mandibles. This is the first study to clarify the adaptive significance of caterpillar hair length as a morphological defence.

Mast cells respond to urticating extract from lepidoptera larva Morpheis ehrenbergii in the rat

Mast cells and histamine participate in toxic effects of hairs from some caterpillars. This study reports that a crude extract of Morpheis ehrenbergii caterpillar hairs induces in vitro mast cells activation, triggers the release of histamine and causes a rapid urticarial reaction in the rat skin. Heating of the extract abolishes the inflammatory reaction. These results suggest that the use of antihistamines may improve the adverse skin reactions caused by the Mexican caterpillar M. ehrenbergii.

Corneal Inflammation From Pine Processionary Caterpillar Hairs

Hairs from the caterpillar of the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, located in the pine forests of southern Europe and elsewhere, can become embedded in the cornea and conjunctiva. Disorders produced by the urticating hairs can be classified into a broad spectrum of severity from mild keratoconjunctivitis to anaphylactic shock. This report presents 3 cases that illustrate the range of corneal responses to embedded hairs of the processionary moth caterpillar. Case series and review of the literature. A 51-year-old man (case 1), a 46-year-old woman (case 2), and a 67-year-old man (case 3) presented different manifestations as a result of contact with pine processionary caterpillar hairs. Case 1 had acute keratitis with decreased vision. He was treated with a corneal depot steroid 4 times daily for 3 months. After 4 months, he was asymptomatic. Case 2 had acute keratitis without vision symptoms. She was released without treatment, and 1 month later was asymptomatic. Case 3 experienced dry gritty sensations, probably because of blepharitis, but also presented asymptomatic caterpillar hairs embedded in the corneal stroma. He was instructed regarding lid hygiene for his blepharitis, and after 3 months the embedded caterpillar hairs had disappeared. The most common ocular presentation of embedded hairs from the pine processionary moth caterpillar is keratitis. The urticating hairs can cause corneal infiltrates that disappear progressively over time. Steroid eye drops accelerate the resorption of these infiltrates.