[Cutaneous larva migrans in Turkey: an imported case report]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic skin infection endemic to tropical and subtropical regions.
• Increased international travel has led to a rise in imported CLM cases in non-endemic areas.
• CLM presents as intensely pruritic, erythematous, serpiginous tracks caused by larval migration in the skin.

Observation:

• A 36-year-old male presented with a one-week history of intense itching and characteristic serpiginous skin lesions on his feet.
• The patient had recently traveled to Brazil (Amazon region) three months prior, with lesion onset shortly after.
• Physical examination revealed erythematous, raised, streak-like, serpiginous eruptions, consistent with CLM.

Findings:

• Diagnosis of imported CLM was based on clinical presentation and travel history.
• The patient received a 3-day course of oral albendazole (400 mg twice daily) and amoxicillin/clavulanate for secondary bacterial infection.
• Rapid improvement of pruritus and lesion regression were observed within days of albendazole treatment, with residual hyperpigmentation.

Implications:

• CLM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pruritic, serpiginous skin lesions, especially in travelers returning from endemic areas.
• Albendazole is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for cutaneous larva migrans.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for symptom relief and preventing complications like secondary bacterial infection.