TITLE:
A Case Report on Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM)
AUTHORS:
Fredrick Sinyinza, Charles Lukanga Kimera, Linda Ndesipandula Lukolo
KEYWORDS:
Cutaneous Larva, Larva Migrans, Zoonosis, Tropical Disease, Pruritus, Hookworm, Creeping Eruption
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.13 No.9,
September
5,
2024
ABSTRACT: Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic hookworm infection of dogs and cats commonly found in low-income countries in the tropical and subtropical regions and travellers to these regions. It is caused by invasion of the skin by the parasitic larvae of hookworms which, after entry, move under the skin causing an inflammatory reaction resulting in a single or multiple tracks. Patients commonly present with a progressive, itchy, erythematous serpiginous skin rash, affecting the feet, although it can affect any other parts of the body. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on history and physical examination. Treatment of this condition can effectively be achieved with either albendazole or ivermectin. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with CLM after presenting to the hospital with a history of a progressive itchy rash with tracks on the left foot. Although CLM is a self-limiting disease, it causes a lot of suffering and, therefore, it is of public concern. There is a need to increase awareness of this disease among health workers, and to implement and promote preventive measures against the disease since the cause is known.