Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrants

Heukelbach, Jörg, and Feldmeier, Hermann (2008) Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrants. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 8 (5). pp. 302-309.

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Abstract

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.

Item ID: 6765
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1474-4457
Keywords: hookworm; zoonosis; cutaneous larva migrans
Date Deposited: 19 Mar 2010 04:27
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1108 Medical Microbiology > 110803 Medical Parasitology @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920109 Infectious Diseases @ 60%
92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920117 Skin and Related Disorders @ 40%
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