Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans.
Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans is caused by the migration of animal hookworm larvae in the human skin. The disease mainly occurs in resource-poor communities in the developing world, but it is also reported sporadically in high-income countries and in tourists who have visited the tropics. Diagnosis is made clinically in the presence of a linear serpiginous track moving forward in the skin, associated with itching and a history of exposure. Itching is typically very intense and can prevent patients from sleeping. Bacterial superinfection occurs as a result of scratching. Treatment is based on oral drugs (albendazole or ivermectin) or the topical application of tiabendazole. To control hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans at the community level, regular treatment of dogs and cats with anthelmintic drugs is necessary, but this is seldom feasible in resource-poor settings. Animals should be banned from beaches and playgrounds. For protection at the individual level, unprotected skin should not come into contact with possibly contaminated soil.
Heukelbach
Jörg
J
Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil.
Feldmeier
Hermann
H
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019049:Developed Countries; D003906:Developing Countries; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006725:Hookworm Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007815:Larva Migrans / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D012621:Seasons; D012987:Soil / Q000469:parasitology
D000871:Anthelmintics; D012987:Soil