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Case Reports
. 2008 Jul 15;179(2):158-61.
doi: 10.1503/cmaj.071844.

Caterpillar-induced bleeding syndrome in a returning traveller

Kris Chan  1 , Adrienne Lee, Rodrigo Onell, Wai Etches, Susan Nahirniak, Sean M Bagshaw, Loree M Larratt
Affiliations
Case Reports

Caterpillar-induced bleeding syndrome in a returning traveller

Kris Chan et al. CMAJ. .
No abstract available

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Figures

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Figure 1: Extensive ecchymoses on our patient's legs 2 days after admission. Photos courtesy of Mike Knash
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Figure 2:Photograph of Lonomia obliqua. Note the aposematic coloration. Photo courtesy of Roberto Pinto Moraes (Butantan Institute)
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Figure 3: Caterpillar-induced bleeding syndrome results from exposure to the venom of the Lonomia genus caterpillars. Toxins (lonomins) in the venom of Lonomia achelous caterpillars cause an activation of the coagulation system. This ultimately consumes clotting factors and leads to systemic bleeding manifestations and abnormal clotting parameters, low fibrinogen levels and increased fibrin degradation. + = promotion of activity, – = inhibition of activity/degradation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Zannin M, Lourenço DM, Motta G, et al. Blood coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in 105 patients with hemorrhagic syndrome caused by accidental contact with Lonomia obliqua.Thromb Haemost 2003;89:355-64. - PubMed

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