Exploring Tropical Infections: A Focus on Cutaneous Larva Migrans.

GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide information about infection with cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, NPs, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Distinguish the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of CLM.2. Explain the epidemiology of CLM. ABSTRACT: Cutaneous larva migrans is a hookworm infection and one of the most common skin diseases of tourists in tropical countries. Most commonly, the infection is transmitted by contact with feces of dogs and cats containing hookworm eggs. This case-based review explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical features, and management of cutaneous larva migrans infection.

Cutaneous larva migrans is a hookworm infection and one of the most common skin diseases of tourists in tropical countries. Most commonly, the infection is transmitted by contact with feces of dogs and cats containing hookworm eggs. This case-based review explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical features, and management of cutaneous larva migrans infection.

Toxocariasis and the clinical spectrum.

Toxocara canis and T. cati are among the most widely distributed helminthic species in the world with a high zoonotic impact. Millions of people are infecteda and hundreds of thousands are suffering from toxocarosis, a disease encompassing four different entities: larva migrans visceralis (VLM) syndrome, ocular larva migrans (OLM) syndrome, covert toxocarosis (covT), common toxocarosis (comT) and neurotoxocarosis (NT). Toxocara infections in humans may remain clinically inapparent but may also induce severe diseases. This contribution gives a synoptic overview of the most important historical, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutical aspects of toxocarosis in humans.

Extraña erupción tras viaje a Tailandia / Strange rash after travel to Thailand

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Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans of the penis successfully treated with topical ivermectin.

Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans is an infestation of the skin caused by nematodes. Involvement of genitals is extremely rare. We report the case of a child with this infestation on the penis who cleared rapidly with topical ivermectin.

Travelers' tropical skin diseases: Challenges and interventions.

Tropical regions receive a significant part of the traveling population. It is very important that health professionals are familiar with the main tropical skin diseases and able to advice patients appropriately. This article reviews the main tropical diseases of travelers, with an emphasis on diagnosis, management, and prevention. Among others, cutaneous larva migrans, myiasis, tungiasis, Chagas disease, Dengue fever, African trypanosomiasis, filariasis, and leishmaniasis are discussed. Increasing awareness among travelers and health care professionals can help reduce morbidity and mortality. Continued research on new drugs and vaccines is needed to reduce the risks of tropical diseases.

Imported skin parasitosis.

Larva migrans cutanea is a typical skin parasitosis of tropical and subtropical regions. In Central European countries, such as Slovakia and Czech Republic, larva migrans cutanea is just an imported disease. Its clinical symptoms are characterized by formation of erythematous focus with serpiginous morphology, which is caused by migration of helminth in epidermis. The disease does not threaten the patient's life, but causes significant discomfort, especially in form of pruritus in the affected area. Thanks to growing trend of today's tourism more tourists are exposed to the harmful effects of the environment in final destinations. This leads to an increase in frequency of imported diseases, with which physicians in our latitudes may not have enough experience.

Management of imported cutaneous larva migrans: A case series and mini-review.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), a zoonotic helminthiasis imported to Canada by travelers to the tropics, causes morbidity due to severe, intractable pruritus. Treatment in Canada is only available through the Special Access Program (SAP) of Health Canada, thus, many patients are prescribed ineffective courses of non-targeted therapy. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed patients with CLM referred to our specialized Tropical Disease Unit (TDU) having failed non-targeted therapy prior to referral, and characterized demographic and travel related correlates of CLM. METHODS: Patients with CLM evaluated between June 2012 and December 2014 were identified through our SAP application log, and charts were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and travel-related data following IRB approval. RESULTS: 25 patients with CLM were identified: 12 women, and 13 men. Median age was 35 years (range 4-58 years). Patients had primarily acquired their CLM in the Caribbean (80%), with Jamaica being the most well represented source destination (N = 10, 40%). Reported symptoms included intense, function-limiting pruritus (N = 25, 100%) and loss of sleep (N = 3, 12%). Twelve patients (48%) with CLM had received at least 1 course of non-targeted therapy prior to referral. Non-targeted therapies included topical steroids (N = 7), cryotherapy (N = 3), oral antibiotics (N = 2), and oral mebendazole (N = 11). Median duration of symptoms was 34 days (range 5-226 days). Of 25 patients with CLM, 23 (92%) were prescribed a single 3-day course of albendazole and responded appropriately, and 2 (8%) required a second 3-day course of albendazole. CONCLUSIONS: Although CLM is non-communicable and of little public health relevance in Canada, it causes significant morbidity. A substantial proportion of patients with CLM referred to our specialized TDU had a prolonged course of illness and were prescribed ineffective and non-targeted therapies. Oral albendazole or ivermectin, or topical thiabendazole, are the drugs of choice for CLM, and should be prescribed as first-line therapy.

A case of cutaneous larva migrans presenting in a pregnant patient.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a pruritic dermatitis caused by migration of animal hookworm larvae into the skin. We present a case of CLM in a 31-year-old pregnant woman. The treatment of CLM relies on antihelminthic agents, such as thiabendazole, albendazole, and ivermectin. This case was interesting in that the standard treatment options previously mentioned were contraindicated owing to the patient's pregnancy. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen resulted in complete resolution of her lesion and symptoms.

A case of cutaneous larva migrans presenting in a pregnant patient.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a pruritic dermatitis caused by migration of the animal hookworm larvae into the epidermis. We present a case of CLM in a 31-year-old pregnant woman. The treatment of CLM relies on antihelminthic agents, such as thiabendazole, albendazole, and ivermectin. This case was interesting in that the standard treatment options previously mentioned were contraindicated owing to the patient's pregnancy. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen resulted in complete resolution of her lesion and symptoms.

Larva migrans cutánea: reporte de cuatro casos / Cutaneous larva migrans: report of four cases

Introducción: la larva migrans cutánea es una parasitosis que constituye una zoonosis frecuente en zonas tropicales, producida por la penetración y desplazamiento a través de la piel de larvas de nemátodos, como Ancylostoma brazilensis y Ancylostoma caninum. El cuadro clínico es característico y se diagnostica mediante la observación macroscópica de las lesiones serpiginosas debajo de la piel. Los antecedentes están dados por contacto con tierra o arena contaminadas como ocurre en niños que juegan en esos lugares.Objetivo: reportar los hallazgos de esta parasitosis en infantes pertenecientes a dos áreas de salud del municipio Camagüey, durante el período 2010 - 2013.Caso Clínico: en el laboratorio de Microbiología de la policlínica de especialidades pediátricas, se diagnosticaron cuatro niños con larva migrans cutánea de 1, 2, 7 y 11 años de edad, el primero con localización perineal, el segundo, en la espalda, el tercero en glúteos, miembros inferiores y superiores y el cuarto en región glútea y vulvar. En los cuatro casos las lesiones fueron características y se observó el trayecto ondulado del parásito a través de la piel. Los cuatros pacientes evolucionaron satisfactoriamente con tratamiento antiparásito.Conclusiones: dada la molestia, e irritabilidad que ocasiona esta parasitosis, así como la posible evolución tórpida de la misma es importante que en las áreas de salud se tenga en cuenta para su oportuno diagnóstico y tratamiento satisfactorio en bien de los pacientes afectados(AU)

Background: cutaneous larva migrans is a parasitosis that constitutes a frequent zoonosis in tropical areas. It is produced by the penetration and movement through the skin of larvae of nematodes, like Ancylostoma brazilensis and Ancylostoma caninum. It shows characteristic clinical manifestations and is diagnosed through macroscopic observation of serpiginous lesions under the skin. Causes are given by the contact with contaminated earth or sand, as it happens with the children who play in places like those.Objective: to report the findings of this parasitosis in children that belonged to two health areas in the municipality of Camagüey, during the period 2010-2013. Clinical case: in the microbiology laboratory of the policlinic of pediatric specialties, four children aged 1, 2, 7, and 11 were diagnosed with cutaneous larva migrans. The first one presented lesions with perineal location, the second one in the back, the third one in the lower and upper extremities, and the fourth one in the gluteal and vulvar regions. In the four cases the lesions were characteristic and the undulating trajectory of the parasite through the skin could be observed. The four patients progressed satisfactorily with the antiparasitic treatment.Conclusions: because of the discomfort and irritability that this parasitosis may cause, as well as its possible torpid evolution, it is important that the health areas take it into consideration in order to obtain a timely diagnosis and satisfactory treatment for the good of patients(AU)

Helminths: a clinical review and update.

This article provides a focused update and clinical review on select helminth infections. The goal is to report atypical clinical presentations and newer management recommendations. The results and recommendations should be interpreted with the understanding that future studies may alter what is presented.

Tropical dermatology: cutaneous larva migrans, gnathostomiasis, cutaneous amebiasis and trombiculiasis.

In today's world, many people can travel easily and quickly around the globe. Most travel travel-related illnesses include fever, diarrhea, and skin disease, which are relatively uncommon in returning travelers. We review four of the most common emerging infestations and skin infections in the Americas, which are important to the clinical dermatologist, focusing on the clinical presentation and treatment of cutaneous larva migrans, gnathostomiasis, cutaneous amebiasis, and trombiculiasis.

[Pitfalls in diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous larva migrans: three unusual cases from a dermatology clinic]. / Das kutane Larva migrans Syndrom: Schwierigkeiten bei Diagnose und Behandlung anhand von drei Fallbeispielen.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM, creeping eruption) is a skin disease commonly seen in travelers returning from the tropics. The lesions are caused by intradermal migration of animal hookworm larvae which cannot mature in humans. While the typical serpiginous skin lesions are easily diagnosed and treated with albendazole or ivermectin, unusual presentations can be misdiagnosed and cause prolonged morbidity. We present 3 cases of CLM, which were difficult to diagnose and/or treat.Case 1 is a 34-year old Caucasian male who presented with itchy papular lesions on the soles of both feet and was initially treated for plantar psoriasis.Case 2 is a 54-year old Caucasian male who suffered from extensive follicular larva migrans on the buttocks for several months and was only cured after repeated courses of albendazole and ivermectin.Case 3 is a 29-year old Caucasian male with pruritic inflammatory papules on the trunk. Despite extensive diagnostic procedures including skin biopsies and tissue cultures the correct diagnosis was only made later during the course of the illness. After treatment for CLM with albendazole (800 mg/d for 3 days) and after resolution of perifocal edema and inflammation the typical serpiginous tracks became more obvious. They responded rapidly to anthelminthic treatment.These cases highlight the importance of careful history taking and work-up in individuals presenting with atypical skin lesions. In case of exposure to CLM empiric anthelminthic treatment might be considered.

Larva migrans cutánea en un paciente viajero portador de dishidrosis: a propósito de un caso clínico / Cutaneous larva migrans in a traveling patient with dyshidrosis: a case report

Larva migrans cutánea es el resultado de una infección por nematodos y muestra una erupción serpiginosa característica. Con el aumento de los viajes a zonas tropicales, muchos pacientes pueden volver con ésta infección, que es a menudo, mal diagnosticada o tratada incorrectamente. Esta enfermedad cutánea parasitaria es causada por la migración de larvas provenientes de animales en la epidermis humana.

Cutaneous larva migrans is a result of a nematode infection and shows a characteristic creeping eruption. As travel to the tropics zone increases, many patients may be returning with this infection, which is often misdiagnosed or treated incorrectly. This parasitic skin disease is caused by the migration of animal hookworm larvae in the human epidermis.

Use of liquid nitrogen and albendazole in successfully treating cutaneous larva migrans.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of combination treatment of Albendazole along with liquid nitrogen in cutaneous larva migrans. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and The Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi, from December 2008 to December 2010. METHODOLOGY: Eighteen cases of cutaneous larva migrans were collected and divided into two groups. Group-A was administered oral Albendazole 400 mg once per day along with topical steroid and oral cetrizine 10 mg once at night for 7 days. Group-B also received oral Albendazole 400 mg once per day along with cetrizine 10 mg once at night but they also received single application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the larva. RESULTS: It was found that in Group-A only 2 out of 9 (22%) showed improvement whereas 78% had to be given liquid nitrogen cryotherapy 3 - 7 days after Albendazole to prevent migration of larva. In Group-B, the improvement was 100% and all 9 patients were successfully treated. CONCLUSION: Use of liquid nitrogen along with oral anti-helminths is very effective in treating cutaneous larva migrans than Albendazole alone.

Toxocara spp. infections in paratenic hosts.

The zoonotic roundworms Toxocara canis and T. cati are not only present worldwide in their definitive hosts; they also frequently occur in other animal species, including humans. In those so-called paratenic hosts, the larvae do not develop into the adult stage, but rather migrate throughout the somatic tissue and persist as infectious L3 stage for extensive periods. Those arrested larvae may lead to severe inflammatory reactions and consequently to a wide range of pathological and clinical manifestations. However, the infected paratenic hosts also constitute a potential source of infection for the definitive hosts or humans who may also function as paratenic hosts. In the present review, current knowledge of larval migration in a variety of possible paratenic hosts is summarized including variations of migration routes and susceptibilities. Furthermore, information about the clinical and pathological changes for the presented species and possible consequences of the somatic migration of larvae, i.e. the resulting tissue damage as well as adverse host reactions to arrested larvae are reviewed. There are still many questions unanswered regarding larval behaviour in hosts other than their definitive host. Therefore, it is of great importance to continue further elaboration on the biology of Toxocara spp. to prevent further spreading of larvae in both the paratenic and the definitive host.