Something has happened to my Eggplant

A few days ago I cut 2 eggplants of 2 different plants. My eggplant seem to be stunted this year and so I didnt want the first fruit to be the only fruit. 

This is what I found today when I went out and looked at them. 

I am not sure if the little bugs have anything to do with it, or if the white stuff is just tiny seeds from other plants stuck to the stem. 

I have one eggplant that has not been stricken with whatever this yet.  Hopefully the other two will find a way to come back.