title: Chemical conjunctivitis caused by the spray of A. buprestoides. Two-striped walkingstick.
abstract: Most North American walkingsticks are harmless, but one species, A. buprestoides, can defend itself by spraying an irritating chemical. We present the first reported case in the medical literature of a chemical conjunctivitis caused by the spray of the two-striped walkingstick. The insect has the ability to direct a spray at a predator's eyes, inducing a self-limited conjunctivitis. Keratitis has been reported in a dog, and this may also be a possible complication in humans. Prudence is dictated in handling this insect, and physicians should be aware of the potential for injury to the eyes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Hatch
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Lamsens
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Perchalski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009987:Orthoptera; D013666:Tears / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D007509:Irritants