Caterpillar Hairs Research Articles

Caterpillar Hair Induced Ophthalmitis (CHIO)

Caterpillar Hair Induced Ophthalmitis (CHIO)

Iritis and angle closure glaucoma caused by caterpillar hairs

AbstractPurpose To report on a child presenting with iritis and angle closure glaucoma caused by caterpillar hairs.Methods A 12‐year‐old girl complained of sudden pain and visual loss in her left eye while she was playing in a pinewood. Two hours later, she developed maculo‐papular rash on her limbs. On examination, left visual acuity was 1/10. The affected eye showed conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, anterior chamber flare (4+ cells). Corneal staining with fluorescein disclosed diffuse superficial punctate keratopathy. Left IOP was 55 mm Hg. Visante OCT of the affected eye showed a thin, translucent, linear foreign body into the cornea and anterior chamber up to the irido‐corneal angle. Topical steroids, antibiotics, cycloplegics, hypotensive eyedrops, and intravenous mannitol were given.Results Inspection of the place where the girl was playing revealed the presence of numerous processionary pine caterpillars. On the basis of this finding and the clinical data, a diagnosis of iritis and angle closure glaucoma caused by caterpillar hairs was made. After 3 days’ treatment, corneal edema and anterior chamber inflammation resolved, IOP returned to normal, and visual acuity was 10/10 again. However, a small iris cyst was still visible on OCT scans.Conclusion Ocular lesions caused by caterpillar hairs are uncommon. Ophthalmologists should be aware that intense iritis with angle closure glaucoma may be the result of the penetration of caterpillar hairs into the eye. OCT scans may be important to confirm the diagnosis.

Ophthalmia nodosa with intraocular caterpillar setae

Ophthalmia nodosa is defined as an inflammatory reaction in the eye to certain insect or vegetable hair. Cases have been recorded in literature from time to time during the past 120 years. Although generally considered to be an innocuous extraocular condition, the present case demonstrates that caterpillar hairs (setae) are capable of intraocular penetration and repeated examinations are required to identify the extent of the disease.

Caterpillar hair in a pap smear

Caterpillar hair in a pap smear

Apport de l’imagerie cornéenne dans la kératite à poils de chenilles processionnaires

With their ability to migrate into the cornea and release toxins, caterpillar hairs can induce different clinical presentations such as conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, uveitis, and less frequently vitreoretinal inflammation (hyalitis, papillitis, macular edema). We report a case that occurred in Alsace (France) in a 13-years-old boy presenting with keratitis caused by caterpillar hairs. We localized them in the cornea, for the first time, using confocal microscopy and anterior segment spectral optical coherence tomography. Confocal microscopy and spectral optical coherence tomography can be useful for diagnosis and follow-up of this disease.

Contact with caterpillar hairs triggers predator-specific defensive responses

Organisms have evolved morphological and behavioral traits that reduce their susceptibility to predation. However, few studies have considered how morphological structures work to provide informational inputs necessary for effective behavioral responses to predation risk. In this study, we demonstrate that the hairs of Orgyia leucostigma (Lymantriidae) caterpillars not only function as physical barriers that deter predators but also act to provide sensory inputs triggering behavior that reduces predation risk. In particular, the way in which caterpillars respond when their hairs are touched is predator specific. Mechanical parameters of the interaction determining the response were identified correlatively and confirmed manipulatively. Caterpillars predominantly dropped in response to high hair bending velocities and predominantly walked away in response to low hair bending velocities. These stimulus-specific responses appear to be adaptive as they led to increased survival. Our results demonstrate a functional link between morphology and behavior. The ability to respond effectively only after the initiation of a predator attack should reduce the costs associated with antipredator behaviors. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.

Risk factors for intraocular penetration of caterpillar hair in Ophthalmia Nodosa: A retrospective analysis

We report risk factors associated with intraocular penetration of caterpillar hair seen at our institute from January 2005 to December 2007. Records of all patients with caterpillar hair induced ophthalmitis (CHIO) were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics, anatomic location of lodgment of the caterpillar hair, treatment methods, and outcomes. Out of a total of 544 cases of CHIO, 19 eyes (seven in the anterior chamber and 12 in the posterior segment) experienced intraocular penetration (3.5%). The presence of deep intracorneal hair (80 cases, 14.7%) was found to be the only risk factor for intraocular penetration (P < 0.001). The removal of intracorneal hair was possible in only 29 out of 80 eyes (36%) and this was associated with a significantly reduced risk of intraocular penetration (P = 0.022). Patients with retained intracorneal hairs should be counseled regarding risk of intraocular penetration and closely followed up for at least six months.

Traumatic intralenticular abscess: a case series

To report the clinical presentation, management and outcome of eyes with traumatic intralenticular abscess. In this interventional case series, records of eight patients (eight eyes) with intralenticular abscess developing following trauma were reviewed. All patients underwent extracapsular cataract extraction with intracameral antibiotics with or without pars plana vitrectomy. Main outcome measures studied were resolution of infection and final visual outcome. Lens abscess developed in six eyes following penetrating injury and in two eyes following intraocular penetration of caterpillar hair. Gram positive cocci were cultured from the lens aspirate in five eyes and Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common organism isolated. Cataract extraction resulted in control of the infection in all eyes and seven eyes (87.5%) had a favourable visual outcome. Early lens extraction with intracameral antibiotics in eyes with intralenticular abscess allows control of infection with good visual outcome.

Seasonal epidemic of ocular caterpillar hair injuries in the Kangra District of India

PURPOSE To report a rare seasonal occurrence of ocular caterpillar hair injuries (ophthalmia nodosa) in epidemic proportions in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. METHODS 136 patients with pain, redness and a foreign body sensation in their eyes were examined and treated for caterpillar hair injury in a short span of 6 months. RESULTS The pattern of corneal abrasions was very useful in indicating the presence and location of the setae. All the cases resolved with no sequelae. The intra-corneal hair remained inert on long term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Creating awareness about these injuries among the medical staff and the general public is necessary for proper control and management.

Envenimations par les lépidoptères

Lepidopterism is the general term used to describe the adverse medical effects resulting from contact with butterflies, caterpillar and moths. So, insect venom is likely injected into the skin through specialized caterpillar hairs when contact occurs with the insect. Histamine, histamine-releasing substances, kinin activators, and other as yet undefined proteins are responsible for symptoms of lepidopterism, mainly contact dermatitis. Ocular, respiratory reactions may also occur. Systemic, cardiovascular, neurologic and others manifestations are less observed. IgE mediated allergic reactions have also been evidenced. Two allergens from pine processionary caterpillar have been identified. Allergic reactions — mild up to anaphylactic reaction — are more frequent that suspected. Furthermore, abnormal bleeding linked to blood clotting factor inactivation by insect molecules may occur.

Human exposures to stinging caterpillar: Lophocampa caryae exposures

The purpose of this project was to characterize the presentation and treatment associated with Lophocampa caryae caterpillar exposures. Three hundred sixty-five exposures to Lophocampa caryae managed by a certified regional poison information center over a 2-year period were analyzed. Pediatric exposures were responsible for 80% of the reports and 92.1% were dermal exposures, 7.5% oral, and 0.4% ocular. Dermal exposures with minimal symptoms were treated at home with the supportive measures of hair and spine removal, irrigation, antihistamine, and/or topical steroid administration. Symptom resolution occurred within 24 hours. Symptomatic patients with oral exposures and positive visualization of hairs or spines, were referred to an emergency department for medical evaluation and removal of the caterpillar hairs. Adult exposure and treatment patterns were similar to the pediatric exposures. Removal of the defensive guard hairs or spines is the primary treatment. Supportive care with irrigation, antihistamines, and/or corticosteroids can decrease the intensity of symptoms.

Caterpillar setae–induced acute anterior uveitis: a case report

PURPOSE: To report uveitis secondary to ocular penetration of caterpillar hairs (setae). METHODS: Case report. A documented attack of acute anterior uveitis was caused by initially overlooked penetration of caterpillar setae. RESULTS: A 66-year-old man presenting with unilateral hypertensive keratouveitis was treated with antiherpes simplex medication (along with local anti-inflammatory and cycloplegic agents) after anterior chamber paracentesis and serologic testing. Laboratory testing was negative. Resolution occurred after 5 days, and corneal clearing showed a predescemetic caterpillar seta. CONCLUSION: Patient history taken in an anterior uveitis setting should include gardening habits and searching for possible exposure to insects or arachnids.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy in the diagnosis and management of pars planitis caused by caterpillar hairs

%PURPOSE: To report the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the detection of caterpillar hairs in the pars plana in a patient with unilateral pars planitis. METHOD: Ultrasound biomicroscopic imaging of the anterior segment of the eye. RESULTS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy located a hair in the posterior chamber at the first visit and five more in the pars plana 1 month later. This finding was confirmed intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound biomicroscopy is useful in the diagnosis and management of unilateral pars planitis of uncertain cause.

Hypertension and abdominal pain: uncommon presentation after exposure to a pine caterpillar

The pine caterpillar Thaumatopoea wilkinsoni is found in pine woods all over Israel. Contact with its hair usually results in local reactions. Systemic reactions after contact with caterpillar hairs are known in other caterpillar species, but have been described only once after contact with T. wilkinsoni. We describe a group of adolescents who were exposed to T. wilkinsoni while camping in a pine wood. Three of them were referred to an emergency department. They had severe pruritus, pain and edema at the contact sites, with papular and urticarial rashes. Two of the patients had abdominal pain and one patient had hypertension for several hours. The hypertension resolved spontaneously. Conclusion: Skin eruptions are the most common manifestations of T. wilkinsoni contact, however, although systemic manifestations are rare, abdominal pain and hypertension may occur.

In vitro activity of caterpillar hair extracts (Lonomia obliqua Walker) on blood coagulation

In vitro activity of caterpillar hair extracts (Lonomia obliqua Walker) on blood coagulation

Mechanoreceptive properties of caterpillar hairs involved in mediation of butterfly-ant symbioses

Mechanoreceptive properties of caterpillar hairs involved in mediation of butterfly-ant symbioses

Specular microscopy in the identification of deep corneal opacities

Specular microscopy provides a level of magnification and differentiation of detail which approaches that of a histological examination, and has the advantage of being a noninvasive procedure. This makes specular microscopy useful not only in examining the corneal endothelium, but also in identifying deep corneal opacities, which fall into two broad groups: 1) exogenous materials deposited in the cornea; and 2) endogenous pathologic corneal changes. Exogenous materials in the cornea have a wide variety of appearances, including the typical appearance of caterpillar hairs, the multifaceted appearance of glass foreign bodies, the regular geometric appearance of cholesterol crystals and cigar-shaped myeloma crystals or the more irregular deposits of chlorpromazine. Endogenous changes include ghost vessels, larger striate corneal nerves, fasciculi of fine parallel lines in keratoconus, criss-cross irregularly running lines in resolved keratitis, and a shagreen or cellophane-like appearance suggesting thickening of Descemet's membrane. While some deep corneal opacities are easily diagnosed clinically, the nature of others may be difficult to determine and specular microscopy is a valuable aid in such cases.

Caterpillar-Induced Keratitis

Caterpillar hairs are responsible for a well-described though infrequent form of ocular trauma and disease sometimes referred to under the term ophthalmia nodosa. Four patients with this condition are presented with a review of the pathology and treatment guidelines.

Ophthalmia Nodosa Caused by Tarantula Hairs

A young woman presented with ocular discomfort after handling her pet tarantula; Multiple fine hairs were detected on the eyelids, in the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, and in the corneal epithelium and stroma. In addition, foreign body granulomas were found in the conjunctiva. Six months later, peripheral chorioretinal lesions were seen. The clinical and histologic findings in this case closely resemble the findings in ophthalmia nodosa caused by caterpillar hairs.

Unusual Methods of Antigen Transport

Abstract Two types of unusual transport mechanisms of antigens are described, one involving caterpillar hairs (setae) of gypsy moths, and the other involving grass pollen attracted to plastic sleds of an Alpine slide. Antigenic sources, investigations into peculiar mechanisms of spread, and impact of these antigens on allergic people are discussed. Each type affected allergic people in a different fashion, yet each type was associated with its own characteristically similar symptom complex. Natural factors terminated the gypsy moth antigen spread, but active interference into the Alpine slide antigen cycle was required for control.