VENOMOUS CATERPILLARS IN FRENCH-GUYANA - 5 CASES

Background. Certain caterpillars produce venomous substances and cases of human envenomation are regularly published. Case reports. We repor t 5 cases of caterpillar-induced envenomation observed in French Guyan a. The caterpillar bites produced variable clinical manifestations, Au tomeris liberia provoked acute pain and skin necrosis; Dirphia tarquin ia, erythema; Hylesia, persistent erythematous plaque (4 days); Megalo pyge, erythematous and edematous lesions at the site of the bite and d istant skin lesions; Automeris, syncopal pain and edematous infiltrati on of the thigh lasting several days. Discussion. Caterpillar envenima tion necessitates consultation, emergency unit care, or even hospitali zation. It is important to identify the causal caterpillar species in case of envenomation in order to evaluate risk. Lonomia achelous must always be suspected because this species can cause major fibrinogenoly sis.