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Ganseman E, Gouwy M, Bullens DMA, Breynaert C, Schrijvers R, Proost P. Reported Cases and Diagnostics of Occupational Insect Allergy: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010086. [PMID: 36613529 PMCID: PMC9820383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant part of adult-onset asthma is caused by occupational exposure to both high- and low-molecular-mass agents. Insects are occasionally described to cause occupational allergy in professions including anglers and fishers, laboratory workers, employees of aquaculture companies, farmers, bakers, sericulture workers and pet shop workers. Occupational insect allergies are often respiratory, causing asthma or rhinoconjunctivitis, but can be cutaneous as well. The European Union recently approved three insect species for human consumption, enabling an industry to develop where more employees could be exposed to insect products. This review overviews knowledge on occupational insect allergy risks and the tools used to diagnose employees. Despite the limited availability of commercial occupational insect allergy diagnostics, 60.9% of 164 included reports used skin prick tests and 63.4% of reports used specific IgE tests. In 21.9% of reports, a more elaborate diagnosis of occupational asthma was made by specific inhalation challenges or peak expiratory flow measurements at the workplace. In some work environments, 57% of employees were sensitized, and no less than 60% of employees reported work-related symptoms. Further development and optimization of specific diagnostics, together with strong primary prevention, may be vital to the health conditions of workers in the developing insect industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ganseman
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Group Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Gouwy
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Group Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique M. A. Bullens
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Breynaert
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department General Internal Medicine–Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Schrijvers
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department General Internal Medicine–Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Proost
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Group Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-37-90-20
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Suárez-Muñoz M, Bonet-García F, Hódar JA, Herrero J, Tanase M, Torres-Muros L. INSTAR: An Agent-Based Model that integrates existing knowledge to simulate the population dynamics of a forest pest. Ecol Modell 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Wu K, Yang J, Ni Y, Liu Q. Identification and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2019; 4:3654-3656. [PMID: 33366128 PMCID: PMC7707520 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2019.1678422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) provides important information for phylogenetic analysis and understanding evolutionary origins. Thaumetopoea pityocampa is a forest pest that harms nearly all cedar and pine species. In this study, the T. pityocampa mitochondrial genome was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The sequence length of the genome was found to be 15,737 bp, containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and an A + T-rich region compared with the genomes of other lepidopterans. The overall nucleotide composition is: 37.3% T, 40.5% A, 14.6% C, and 7.6% G, demonstrating an AT bias (A + T: 77.8%). Our phylogenetic tree analysis results showed that T. pityocampa and Ochrogaster lunifer were the most similar species, with the closest evolutionary distance. The mitogenome sequence determined in this study will contribute to improved understanding of Notodontidae evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Shangrao Normal University, Shangrao, PR China
| | - Jinge Yang
- Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, PR China
| | - Yuyang Ni
- College of Life Sciences, Shangrao Normal University, Shangrao, PR China
| | - Qiuning Liu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, PR China
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Costa D, Esteban J, Sanz F, Vergara J, Huguet E. Ocular lesions produced by pine processionary caterpillar setae (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in dogs: a descriptive study. Vet Ophthalmol 2015; 19:493-497. [DOI: 10.1111/vop.12333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Costa
- Oftalmología Veterinaria Ocaña; Calle Ocaña 201 28047 Madrid Spain
| | - Javier Esteban
- Oftalmología Veterinaria Ocaña; Calle Ocaña 201 28047 Madrid Spain
| | - Fernando Sanz
- Clínica de Oftalmología Veterinaria Bellavista Visionvet; Calle Cronos s/n Bellavista 41014 Sevilla Spain
| | - Jorge Vergara
- Clínica Veterinaria San Bernardo; Calle José María Salaverría 3 20010 Donostia-San Sebastián Gipuzkoa Spain
| | - Eduardo Huguet
- Oftalmovet Oftalmología Veterinaria; Carrer de les Illes Canàries 32 46023 València Spain
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Vega JM, Moneo I, García-Ortiz JC, González-Muñoz M, Ruiz C, Rodríguez-Mahillo AI, Roques A, Vega J. IgE Sensitization to Thaumetopoea pityocampa: Diagnostic Utility of a Setae Extract, Clinical Picture and Associated Risk Factors. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2015; 165:283-90. [PMID: 25661274 DOI: 10.1159/000369807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- José María Vega
- Allergy Section, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
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Bonamonte D, Foti C, Vestita M, Angelini G. Skin Reactions to pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:867431. [PMID: 23781164 PMCID: PMC3678440 DOI: 10.1155/2013/867431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pine caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff, is a phyto- and xylophagous lepidopteran, responsible for the delay in the growth or the death of various types of pines. Besides nature damage, pine caterpillar causes dermatological reactions in humans by contact with its irritating larvae hairs. Although the dermatitis occurs among outdoor professionals, it is primarily extraprofessional. Contamination generally occurs in pinewoods, rarely in cities. Means of contamination comprise direct contact with the nest or the processional caterpillar and indirect contact with air dispersed hairs. The dermatitis is generally observed in late spring and particularly from April to June, among campers and tourers. The eruption has its onset 1-12 hours after contact with the hairs and presents with intense and continuous itching. Morphologically, it is strophulus-like and consists of papulous, excoriated, and pinkish lesions on an oedematous base. Diagnosis is usually straightforward. The pathogenetic mechanism of the affection is mechanical, pharmacological, and allergic in nature. Besides skin, T. pityocampa Schiff can involve the eyes and rarely the airways. Despite the considerable damages to humans and nature, pine caterpillar infestation is an underestimated problem; medical literature lists few studies, and often relevant information is referred to local media and popular wisdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Bonamonte
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Dermatology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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Vega J, Vega J, Moneo I. Skin Reactions on Exposure to the Pine Processionary Caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa). ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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Vega J, Vega JM, Moneo I. [Skin reactions on exposure to the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa)]. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2011; 102:658-67. [PMID: 21545979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2011.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pine processionary caterpillar is the larval form of the Thaumetopoea pityocampa moth. Mediterranean forests regularly suffer plagues of this insect, which has been moving north as a result of global warming. When the small urticating hairs that develop during the last 3 larval stages are shed and can become airborne. If they come in contact with skin, they can cause a variety of reactions, notably contact urticaria and papular rashes. Irritation can also occur if the hairs lodge in the mucosa of the conjunctiva or in the respiratory tract. Several cases of anaphylactic reactions have been reported in recent years. Mechanical (irritative) mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of lesions, or immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic hypersensitivity reactions may be implicated when the process is rapid, recurrent, and progressively more severe.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Vega
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, Spain.
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Vega JM, Moneo I, Ortiz JCG, Palla PS, Sanchís ME, Vega J, Gonzalez-Muñoz M, Battisti A, Roques A. Prevalence of cutaneous reactions to the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in an adult population. Contact Dermatitis 2011; 64:220-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01884.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hossler EW. Caterpillars and moths. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010; 62:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Revised: 08/24/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Fagrell B, Jörneskog G, Salomonsson AC, Larsson S, Holm G. Skin reactions induced by experimental exposure to setae from larvae of the northern pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pinivora). Contact Dermatitis 2008; 59:290-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01423.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Inal A, Altintaş DU, Güvenmez HK, Yilmaz M, Kendirli SG. Life-threatening facial edema due to pine caterpillar mimicking an allergic event. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2006; 34:171-3. [PMID: 16854350 DOI: 10.1157/13091043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 150 species of Lepidoptera have been described as causing damage to human skin. One of these species is the pine processionary caterpillar, which is responsible for dermatitis, contact urticaria, ocular lesions and rarely respiratory signs and anaphylactic reactions through IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated mechanisms. We report a pediatric case of severe orofacial edema mimicking an allergic reaction after ingestion of a pine processionary caterpillar; urgent airway intubation was required. CASE REPORT A 15-month-old boy was sleeping under a pine tree when his mother noted a pine caterpillar on his tongue. Because of rapidly developing facial swelling and respiratory distress, the infant was first taken to a local hospital where he received intravenous dexamethasone and pheniramine hydrogen maleate. On arrival at our emergency department, diffuse swelling and edema involving the tongue, perioral, nasal and perimandibular regions, and neck was noted, requiring urgent orotracheal intubation. There were no findings of anaphylaxis. The results of skin prick tests and specific IgE to common aero- and food allergens were negative. A skin prick test with extract of pine caterpillar was also negative. Prednisolone and pheniramine hydrogen maleate were administered for 7 days. The child gradually improved and was successfully extubated 4 days later. CONCLUSION Although oral contact with a pine processionary caterpillar in the form of ingestion is rare, it may cause significant local reaction and airway compromise mimicking an allergic event. In this situation, early intubation to maintain airway patency is a life-saving measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Inal
- Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Adana, Turkey.
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Vega J, Vega JM, Moneo I, Armentia A, Caballero ML, Miranda A. Occupational immunologic contact urticaria from pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa): experience in 30 cases. Contact Dermatitis 2004; 50:60-4. [PMID: 15128315 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2004.00254.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous lesions caused by the pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa (TP) are frequent in pinewood areas. In the present study, 30 patients diagnosed with occupational immunologic urticaria from this caterpillar were included. Immediate hypersensitivity was demonstrated by performing prick and IgE-immunoblotting tests. Workers were grouped according to their common tasks. Occupations at risk of exposure to TP were pine-cone collectors/woodcutters (14), farmers/stockbreeders (8), other forestry personnel (4), construction workers (2), residential gardeners (1) and entomologists (1). Besides contact urticaria, angioedema (60%), papular lesions of several days of evolution (30%) and anaphylactic reactions (40%) were also detected. The most frequently detected molecular weight bands by immunoblot were 15 (70%), 17 (57%) and 13 kDa (50%). The appearance of isolated bands corresponds with the least serious cases. Only 8 subjects had bands higher than 33 kDa, which was present in the 3 most severe cases of anaphylactic reactions. By presenting these cases, we wish to offer the largest series reported so far of occupational immunologic contact urticaria caused by TP. We include the first cases described in certain occupations, some of them not directly related to forestry work. Pine-cone or resin collectors, woodcutters, farmers and stockbreeders were the most frequently and severely affected workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Vega
- Servicio de Dermatología y Facultad de Medicina, Hospital Clínico Universitario, 47001 Valladolid, Spain.
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Maier H, Spiegel W, Kinaciyan T, Krehan H, Cabaj A, Schopf A, Hönigsmann H. The oak processionary caterpillar as the cause of an epidemic airborne disease: survey and analysis. Br J Dermatol 2003; 149:990-7. [PMID: 14632804 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2003.05673.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thaumetopoea processionea L. (order Lepidoptera), the oak processionary moth, is found in oak forests in most European countries. Its third to sixth larval instars are armed with poisonous hairs (setae) containing an urticating toxin (thaumetopoein) potentially harmful to humans. Because T. processionea infests trees at the edges of forests or standing alone people frequently come into contact with its setae. In the woodland bordering on the western suburbs of Vienna conditions favouring its increase have led to frequent outbreaks of lepidopterism. OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence of lepidopterism in a suburban environment with three separate caterpillar-infested oak trees and to ascertain the frequency of the various symptoms of lepidopterism and the manner of contact with setae. METHODS We conducted a telephone survey of all the households/institutions located within 500 m of the infested trees. To gain more information on patients' symptoms and on situations likely to lead to increased contact with setae we asked those who reported cutaneous reactions to complete a questionnaire. As part of the environmental study we described the outbreak site, examined patients and, with tape-strip samples taken from the surface of the soil, looked for setae persisting in the environment. RESULTS Of 1025 people surveyed 57 (5.6%) reported one or more symptoms of lepidopterism: 55 (96%) reported pruritus, 54 (95%) dermatitis, eight (14%) conjunctivitis, eight (14%) pharyngitis and two (4%) respiratory distress. The questionnaire was returned by 37 (69%) of the individuals with dermatitis. Of those, 16% had reacted with weal formation, 49% with papular rash and 22% with toxic irritant dermatitis. In 13% of respondents it was not possible to define the reaction. The risk factor analysis showed that airborne contamination was the most important cause: 97% of people had frequently passed an infested tree, 57% lived near a tree (in a neighbouring garden) and 32% had a tree in their own garden. Direct contact with larvae was of minor importance (38%). In four of the tape-strip samples intact setae were identified 1 year after the infestation. CONCLUSIONS Lepidopterism caused by T. processionea is a public health problem of increasing significance. In years with outbreaks of the pest it can reach epidemic proportions in communities located near infested trees. Contact with airborne setae was mainly responsible for the occurrence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Maier
- Division of Special and Environmental Dermatology, Department of General Practice, Institute of Medical Education, University of Vienna, Medical School, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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