Acute renal failure and haemorrhagic syndrome secondary to toxin of caterpillars (Lonomia obliqua)

Accidental poisoning with caterpillars has become increasingly frequent in southern Brazil, partly due to deforestation and elimination of natural predators [1]. Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and are found worldwide [2]. Accidental contact with caterpillar’s bristles induces allergic and toxic signs and symptoms that range from mild cutaneous reaction to severe systemic reactions, depending mainly on the number and species of the caterpillar involved. Symptoms include local irritation, urticarial dermatitis, allergy, ocular injuries, osteochondritis, haemorrhage secondary coagulopathy and acute renal failure. Haemorrhagic complications including intra-cerebral can result in mortality [2,3].