Chronic Larva Currens Following Tourist Travel to the Gambia and Southeast Asia Over 20 Years Ago.

ABSTRACT

Larva currens is the cutaneous manifestation of human infection with the geotropic helminth Strongyloides stercoralis. Strongyloidiasis is a lifelong infection unless treated. A high index of suspicion is needed to prevent chronic symptoms of strongyloidiasis (eg, larva currens, eosinophilia, abdominal discomfort) and to prevent fatal dissemination. We present a case of chronic larva currens following tourist travel to the Gambia and Southeast Asia>20 years ago. This case highlights several important features of larva currens and strongyloidiasis, including the chronicity of symptoms, the rapidity of the migratory serpiginous rash, and the absence of high-grade eosinophilia.