Cutaneous Larva Migrans

Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by Ancylostoma species, most commonly dog or cat hookworm Ancylostoma braziliense. Hookworm ova in dog or cat feces develop into infective larvae when left in warm moist ground or sand; transmission occurs when skin directly contacts contaminated soil or sand and larvae penetrate unprotected skin, usually of the feet, legs, buttocks, or back. Cutaneous larva migrans occurs worldwide but most commonly in tropical environments.

Cutaneous larva migrans causes intense pruritus; signs are erythema and papules at the site of entry, followed by a winding, threadlike subcutaneous trail of reddish brown inflammation. Patients may also develop papules and vesicles resembling folliculitis Folliculitis Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment for most cases of bacterial folliculitis is with topical mupirocin or clindamycin. (See also Overview of Bacterial... read more , called hookworm folliculitis. Diagnosis of cutaneous larva migrans is by history and clinical appearance.

Although the infection resolves spontaneously after a few weeks, discomfort and the risk of secondary bacterial infection warrant treatment. Topical thiabendazole 15% liquid or cream (compounded) applied 2 to 3 times a day for 5 days is extremely effective. Oral thiabendazole is not well tolerated and not usually used. Albendazole (400 mg orally once a day for 3 to 7 days) and ivermectin (200 mcg/kg orally once a day for 1 to 2 days) can cure the infestation and are well tolerated. Topical albendazole 10% ointment (compounded) applied 3 times a day for 10 days is effective.

Cutaneous larva migrans may be complicated by a self-limiting pulmonary reaction called Löffler syndrome Löffler Syndrome Löffler syndrome is a form of eosinophilic pulmonary disease characterized by absent or mild respiratory symptoms (most often dry cough), fleeting migratory pulmonary opacities, and peripheral... read more (patchy pulmonary infiltrates and peripheral blood eosinophilia; 1 General reference Cutaneous larva migrans is the skin manifestation of hookworm infestation. Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by Ancylostoma species, most commonly dog or cat hookworm Ancylostoma braziliense... read more ).