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Cutaneous Larva Migrans: Ceylanicum and A. Caninum
Cutaneous Larva Migrans: Ceylanicum and A. Caninum
Clinically, the hallmark of CLM is a creeping eruption. The different helminthic diseases
causing creeping eruption can often be distinguished based on the epidemiologic and
exposure history, the characteristics of the cutaneous trail(s) (location, number, width and
length, rate of movement) (see Table 177-2), and the duration of symptoms (see Table 177-
6), in addition to other clinical and laboratory findings. The correct diagnosis is required for
appropriate treatment.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Hookworm-related CLM is widely distributed but is most commonly found in tropical and
subtropical areas, especially the southeastern United States, Caribbean, Africa, Central and
South America, India, and Southeast Asia. Contact with sand or soil contaminated with
animal feces is required for infection to occur; infection can be prevented by avoiding skin
contact with fecally contaminated soil.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Infection results from direct skin penetration by infective larvae of animal hookworms.
Larvae migrate up to several centimeters a day, usually between the stratum germinativum
and stratum corneum, and induce a localized eosinophilic inflammatory reaction. In contrast
to human hookworm infection, animal hookworm larvae cannot mature beyond the larval
stage in humans; they are unable to invade deeper tissues and die after days to months.
Typical skin lesions appear 1 to 5 days after exposure. The characteristic lesion of
hookworm-related CLM is an erythematous, raised, and vesicular, linear, or serpentine
cutaneous trail that progresses at a rate of 2 to 3 cm per day (see Fig. 177-6). Vesicular,
papular or bullous lesions may be seen at the site of larval skin penetration in up to 15% of
patients with CLM (Fig. 177-7). Lesions are approximately 3 mm wide and may reach 15 to
20 cm in length. They can be single or multiple, are intensely pruritic, and may be painful.
The hookworm larvae advance a few millimeters to a few centimeters daily. The most
common anatomic sites (usually 3 to 4 cm from the penetration site) include the feet
(see Fig. 177-3) and buttocks (Fig. 177-8), although other sites may be affected. Excoriation
and impetiginization are uncommon (10% of cases). Skin lesions usually last between 2 and
8 weeks, but have been reported to last for as long as 2 years. Systemic signs and symptoms
(wheezing, dry cough, urticaria) are rare.
FIGURE 177-7
Cutaneous larva migrans with vesicular and bullous lesions. (Used with permission from Jay
S. Keystone, MD, FRCPC.)
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of hookworm-related CLM is based on clinical findings. Hookworm folliculitis
also can be diagnosed clinically when creeping eruption is also present; if not, skin biopsy
may be required. Histopathologic findings include larvae trapped within the follicular canal,
the stratum corneum, or the dermis, together with an inflammatory eosinophilic
infiltrate.24Skin scrapings in patients with folliculitis may reveal live and dead larvae when
examined by light microscopy with mineral oil.
MANAGEMENT
Both albendazole (400 mg by mouth daily for 3 days) and ivermectin (200 µg/kg daily for 1
or 2 days) are effective therapies for hookworm-related CLM 25,26 (see Table 177-8).
Treatment of hookworm folliculitis may require repeated treatments. Topical therapy with
thiabendazole, 10% albendazole, or ivermectin also may be used, but may be less effective
than oral therapy. Thiabendazole is often not readily available. Because larvae have usually
migrated beyond the end of the visible skin lesion and their location cannot be reliably
determined, surgical excision or cryotherapy is not recommended.
Larva cacing dapat memasuki tubuh manusia ketika kulit berkontak langsung
dengan tanah atau pasir yang terkontaminasi larva cacing tambang. Misalnya, saat
berjalan tanpa alas kaki atau berbaring di tanah atau pasir tanpa memakai alas.