Case Report: Loonier Obliqua Caterpillar Encounter in Guyana: 29-year-old European Tourist Who Develops Coagulopathy
Introduction
Background: Envenomation cases in Guyana are primarily from snake bite woundsandresult in hemorrhagic syndromes developing. Although Guyanasharesborders with Brazil there haven’t been published cases ofLonomiaobliqua caterpillar encounters.
Case
Case Presentation: Here we present the case of a 29-year-old, previously healthyEuropeanmale tourist who developed hematuria and ecchymosis afterstepping ona Lonomia obliqua caterpillar. He had abnormal prothrombinandpartial thromboplastin times with no progression to renal failureorintracranial hemorrhage. The venom from these caterpillars affectsboththe inflammatory and coagulation systems. Treatment withantilonomicserum is recommended and due to pro-thrombotic effectsofcryoprecipitate and fresh plasma these are not recommended.
Method
Outcome: The patient was admitted and on day two received antilonomicserumwhich was sourced from Brazil as it was not readily availablelocally. After a ten-day hospital stay, he was discharged withnormalization ofhis prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times.