Occupational risk of cutaneous larva migrans: A case report and a systematic literature review

Abstract

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic zoonosis of warm tropical and subtropical areas, although autochthonous cases have been increasingly reported in Western European countries. Data on the prevalence of CLM as an occupational disease in workers exposed to potentially contaminated soil or in close contact with dogs and cats are scant. Herein, we report an autochthonous case of CLM in a dog breeder from southern Italy (Apulia region), along with a systematic literature review describing the risk of CLM infection, mainly according to job categories. The patient was referred to the dermatology unit presenting a serpiginous lesion on his hand, raising the suspected CLM diagnosis. In non-endemic areas, CLM might represent a challenge for physicians in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, particularly in workplaces. The multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis of CLM with the involvement of different scientific competences (i.e., dermatologists, veterinarians, and occupational physicians) may contribute to further assess the distribution of human CLM and associated risk factors, toward reducing the risk for the infection.

Sudden emergence and spread of cutaneous larva migrans in Sudan: A case series calls for urgent actions

“…However, the fact that all adult (age of 18 years and over) patients are male might be attributed to social and healthcare disparities and inequalities that discourage female from seeking healthcare services. This skewed sex ratio is commonly observed across different infectious diseases in the country [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] . Additionally, the relatively high involvement of male in outdoor activities in places that usually contaminated with cats and dogs feces such as beaches and playgrounds is exposing them to higher risk of infection [6] .…”

“…CLM infection is commonly a self-limiting condition with complete healing occurs at the 5th or 6th week after the onset of the disease due to the death of the larvae [12] . The ideal management is treating the symptoms such as pruritic rashes can be treated by the administration of topical or orally antihistamines, and the administration of albendazole for the larvae [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] .…”

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus italicus) and Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Parasite Survey in Anthropized and Natural Areas of Central Italy

“…Both U. stenocephala and A. caninum can also infect domestic dogs, and U. stenocephala can infect domestic cats [ 17 , 18 ]. A. caninum is considered a zoonotic species, as third-stage larvae contaminating the environment can be responsible for cutaneous larva migrans in humans [ 28 ]. The results showed that the frequencies of hookworm occurrence in the two wild canid species significantly differ according to habitat type.…”

Vesiculobullous Cutaneous Larva Migrans in the Absence of Domestic Dogs and Cats. Successful Treatment with Oral Ivermectin

“…These zoonotic hookworms responsible for CLM are predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions across Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean, and they have been recently reported in the United States, Canada, and Europe [7,8]. Hr-CLM is the most frequent travel-associated skin disease of tropical origin [3,9], and it is likely to be a common disease in local residents, even if underreported.…”