Between 4.6% and 23% of U.S. children have been infected with the dog roundworm egg. This number is much higher in other parts of the world, such as Colombia, where up to 81% of children have been infected. Cutaneous larva migrans is a condition where nematodes such as Ancylostoma braziliense migrate to the skin.
How common is cutaneous larva migrans?
Cutaneous larva migrans occurs worldwide but is most common in tropical environments. Starting from the point of entry—usually the feet, legs, buttocks, or back—the hookworm burrows along a haphazard tract, leaving a winding, threadlike, raised, reddish brown rash. The rash itches intensely.
What is the most common cause of visceral larva migrans?
Toxocara canis is the most common cause of visceral larva migrans. Mature T canis worms live in the small intestines of dogs, their natural host. Heavily infected dogs can pass millions of eggs each day in their feces. Toxocara cati can also cause visceral larva migrans.
How common is ocular larva migrans?
Ocular larva migrans (OLM) is a rare but potentially disabling condition. It is also difficult to diagnose because of the negative laboratory test results. In most cases the diagnosis is presumed to be OLM upon the basis of eye examination.
How do humans usually acquire visceral larva migrans?
Visceral larva migrans occurs when parasitic larvae migrate through the internal organs of the host. Humans can acquire these infections by ingesting parasite eggs, or by eating tissues from intermediate or paratenic hosts that contain larvae.
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