An unusual case of extensive truncal cutaneous larva migrans in a Cameroonian baby: a case report

Abstract

BackgroundCutaneous larva migrans is a neglected zoonotic helminthic disease which is paradoxically underreported in low-income and middle-income countries from where a majority of the cases emanate. It presents as migratory, raised, erythematous serpentine lesions, responsive to treatment with antihelminthics. It is common in children, but rare in babies. We report an unusual case of cutaneous larva migrans in a Cameroonian baby.Case presentationWe report the case of a 9-month-old Cameroonian baby girl, whose mother had the habit of drying the child’s clothes on the grass in her courtyard. The child was brought to our hospital after she developed itchy, snake-like, slowly progressing lesions on her abdomen and chest. An examination revealed multiple raised serpentine and erythematous skin lesions consistent with cutaneous larva migrans which subsided on antihelminthic and antihistaminic therapy.ConclusionsCutaneous larva migrans is an endemic disease with predilection for poor and vulnerable persons. Preventive efforts such as wearing of slippers, usage of drying lines, and deworming of pets are crucial in preventing the occurrence of this disease and should be encouraged.

Easy to manage when recognized: Case report of Cutaneous Larva Migranss

“…Various hookworm species are responsible for causing CLM, most often Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala [3,4]. CLM cases are frequent in regions with favorable climate and socio-economic conditions, such as regions of Central and South America, Africa and South-East Asia [1,5]. In high-income countries CLM is usually reported in tourists visiting endemic regions, but there are sporadic cases of autochthonous hookworm-related CLM acquired in temperate climate European countries such as Germany, France, UK, Serbia [2,6,7].…”

“…The skin lesions are commonly found in parts of body which are directly exposed to contaminated soil such as feet, hands and buttocks. Less common, lesion localization includes trunk, breasts, chest, the penile shaft and [5] the scalp [10]. CLM cases due to contact with contaminated clothes and towels [5], and extensive skin involvement have also been described, sometimes leading to misdiagnosis [11,6].…”

Folliculite ankylostomienne compliquant une dépigmentation cutanée volontaire au Bénin

“…La forme folliculaire de la larva migrans cutanée ankylostomienne, dite folliculite ankylostomienne, est rarement observée en pays tropicaux [12,16,18,19]. Après la description du cas princeps en Australie en 1991 [10], quelques cas de folliculite ankylostomienne ont été rapportés [1][2][3][4]13,18,19].…”

Cutaneous Disorders of the Breast

“…This is exceedingly itchy, slightly raised, fleshcolored or pink and forms bizarre, serpentine patterns . Large numbers of larvae may be active at the same time, with the formation of a disorganized series of loops and tortuous tracks (Tianyi et al 2018) (Fig. 64).…”