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Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans

29 Jul 2008

Paul Chinnock

Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases (see original article)

Citation: Heukelbach J, Feldmeier H (2008). Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans. Lancet Infect Dis; 8(5):302-309

2008 Elsevier Inc.

People infected with hookworm sometimes suffer from a painful condition called cutaneous larva migrans, in which the larvae of the worms cause a ‘creeping eruption’ as they move through the skin. It is believed that every year several million people in developing countries experience substantial discomfort due to the condition. India, Brazil and the Caribbean seem to be particularly badly affected.

A review in Lancet Infectious Diseases gives a comprehensive account of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans.

There are several species of animal hookworm that can cause the condition. Bacterial superinfection may occur as a result of scratching. Treatment is with oral drugs (albendazole or ivermectin) or with tiabendazole applied topically. To control hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans at community level, regular treatment of dogs and cats with anthelmintic drugs is recommended. However, this would rarely be feasible in resource-poor settings. Animals should be banned from beaches and playgrounds. For protection at individual level, unprotected skin should not come into contact with possibly contaminated soil.

Note: This article is published in a journal which is not open access. To see the full article a subscription to Lancet Infectious Diseases is therefore required. In some developing countries, readers who are based in institutions may be able to access it through the HINARI programme.