Of the nearly 165,000 Lepidoptera species found worldwide, only about 150 species cause significant envenomations, with about 50 species found in the United States. Lepidoptera is the order of insects that includes butterflies, moths, and caterpillars. Several caterpillars (the larval form of butterflies and moths) contain spines or urticating hairs that secrete a toxin, causing skin manifestations such as localized pain, edema, and erythema. Some caterpillar species can cause severe injuries, including allergic reactions, consumptive coagulopathy, intracranial hemorrhage, acute kidney injury, ataxia, dysarthria, arthritis, joint deformities, wheezing, and dyspnea. The puss moth caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) is considered one of the most toxic in North America and is responsible for hundreds of human envenomations annually. Lonomia obliqua caterpillars found in South America, especially in Brazil, are infamous for causing severe pain and hemorrhagic syndrome. Contrastingly, the Anaphe venata caterpillar in Nigeria is an essential protein resource from a cultural-specific diet and can cause thiamine deficiency syndrome similar to dry beriberi.This CME course is designed to empower healthcare professionals with a profound understanding of Lepidoptera envenomations, a niche yet critical aspect of vector-borne emergencies. Despite the vast diversity of Lepidoptera species globally, only a fraction poses a significant threat to human health. This course aims to bridge the gap surrounding these envenomations’ clinical manifestations, etiology, and management, ensuring clinicians cannavigate these unique challenges. Through participation in this activity, learners will be adept at identifying Lepidoptera envenomations, differentiating between toxic species, and implementing evidence-based management strategies. The interprofessional approach ensures that clinicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals collaborate seamlessly, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the long-term impact of these unique vector-borne emergencies.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/19018
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adolescent Medicine, Chemical Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Forensic Pathology, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Infectious Disease, Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Nephrology