Autochthonous cutaneous larva migrans infection in Guipúzcoa

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Cutaneous larva migrans (LM) is an eruption caused by nematode helminth migration in the epidermis.
• Transmission occurs through skin contact with soil contaminated by infected animal feces.
• Previously, LM was considered exclusively an imported infection from tropical regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cases of cutaneous LM diagnosed in residents of Guipúzcoa, Spain.
• To determine if autochthonous (locally acquired) cases of LM are occurring in a non-endemic region.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study was conducted.
• Cases diagnosed at Hospital Universitario Donostia between 2011 and 2015 were reviewed.
• Patients with characteristic lesions who had not traveled to endemic areas were included.

Main Results:

• Four cases of cutaneous LM were identified, all in male patients (mean age 60).
• Lesions were primarily on the lower extremities (3/4) and trunk (1/4).
• Contact with potentially contaminated soil was identified as the likely source of infection; lesions resolved with oral albendazole treatment.

Conclusions:

• The occurrence of autochthonous LM cases in Europe warrants further investigation into the causative species and epidemiology.
• Public health strategies are needed to address the potential for LM to become endemic in non-tropical regions.