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Larva migrans in India: veterinary and public health perspectives
Rajnish Sharma1, B B Singh1, J P S Gill1
1School of Public Health and Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, 141004 Punjab India.
Abstract:
Despite an important public health problem in developing world like India, larva migrans remains a neglected zoonosis. Cutaneous larva migrans, Visceral larva migrans, and Ocular larva migrans are the important clinical manifestations seen in humans in India. Although many nematode parasites have the ability to cause the infection, the disease primarily occurs due to Ancylostoma caninum and Toxocara canis. Presence of the infection in dogs is an indirect indication of its incidence in humans in endemic regions. In India, sporadic cases of this neglected but important parasitic zoonosis are the main implications of lack of diagnostic methods and under-reporting of human cases. Tropical climate in addition to overcrowding, poor hygiene and sanitation problems, stray dogs, open defecation by dogs and improper faecal disposal are the important factors for persistence of this disease in the country. Sanitary and hygienic measures, improved diagnostic techniques and surveillance programme in dogs as well as humans should be adopted for its effective control. Comprehensive collaborative efforts by physicians and veterinarians are required to tackle this problem in order to attain optimal health for humans, animals and the environment. Moreover, recognition of larva migrans as an important public health problem is the most important step to combat this neglected disease in developing countries like India.
Insights
Larva migrans, a neglected zoonotic disease in India, manifests in cutaneous, visceral, and ocular forms. Effective control requires improved diagnostics, hygiene, and One Health collaboration between physicians and veterinarians.
Area of Science:
- * Veterinary Public Health
- * Zoonotic Diseases
- * Parasitology
Background:
- * Larva migrans is a significant, yet neglected, zoonotic disease in developing countries, particularly India.
- * Clinical manifestations include cutaneous, visceral, and ocular larva migrans in humans.
- * Primary causative agents are nematode parasites, notably *Ancylostoma caninum* and *Toxocara canis*.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To highlight the public health significance of larva migrans in India.
- * To identify factors contributing to its persistence.
- * To recommend control strategies for this neglected zoonosis.
Main Methods:
- * Review of existing literature on larva migrans in India.
- * Analysis of contributing factors such as climate, hygiene, and stray animal populations.
- * Assessment of current diagnostic and reporting limitations.
Main Results:
- * Sporadic human cases are under-reported due to a lack of diagnostic methods.
- * Tropical climate, poor sanitation, overcrowding, and stray dogs facilitate disease persistence.
- * Canine infection serves as an indicator for human incidence in endemic areas.
Conclusions:
- * Integrated control strategies including sanitary measures, improved diagnostics, and surveillance in both animals and humans are essential.
- * Collaborative efforts between physicians and veterinarians are crucial for effective management.
- * Recognizing larva migrans as a major public health issue is paramount for combating it in India and similar regions.
