Larva migrans in India: veterinary and public health perspectives

Abstract

Despite an important public health problem in developing world like India, larva migrans remains a neglected zoonosis. Cutaneous larva migrans, Visceral larva migrans, and Ocular larva migrans are the important clinical manifestations seen in humans in India. Although many nematode parasites have the ability to cause the infection, the disease primarily occurs due to Ancylostoma caninum and Toxocara canis. Presence of the infection in dogs is an indirect indication of its incidence in humans in endemic regions. In India, sporadic cases of this neglected but important parasitic zoonosis are the main implications of lack of diagnostic methods and under-reporting of human cases. Tropical climate in addition to overcrowding, poor hygiene and sanitation problems, stray dogs, open defecation by dogs and improper faecal disposal are the important factors for persistence of this disease in the country. Sanitary and hygienic measures, improved diagnostic techniques and surveillance programme in dogs as well as humans should be adopted for its effective control. Comprehensive collaborative efforts by physicians and veterinarians are required to tackle this problem in order to attain optimal health for humans, animals and the environment. Moreover, recognition of larva migrans as an important public health problem is the most important step to combat this neglected disease in developing countries like India.

The global prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The visceral larva migrans (VLM), ocular larvae (OLM), and overt toxocariasis are the most common types of larvae. The clinical symptoms of infection are nonspecific but can include neurological, ocular, pulmonary (asthmatic), dermatological, and rheumatoid arthritis [ 5 ]. The pathology of this parasite is variable, but it can induce peripheral eosinophilia (20%–40%) and fever of unknown origin.…”

Parasites in vegetables used for human consumption: a risk for public health

“…It is important to note that the climatic conditions of the area of study allow the development of these parasites (Gamboa, 2005;Tchakounté et al, 2018). This finding is worthy of note since representants of these families may cause Visceral and Cutaneous Larva migrans, respectively (Sharma et al, 2015). The presence of larvae of the Trichostrongylidae family may be related to the presence of animal faeces contaminating the environment, which may be associated with the use of low-quality fertilizers or the circulation of animals in the area of cultivation.…”

Got the Travel Bug? A Review of Common Infections, Infestations, Bites, and Stings Among Returning Travelers

“…The parasites are excreted in the host animal feces, often on soil or sand (beaches) and subsequently acquired by direct skin contact with individuals laying out on beaches or walking barefoot along the water. The worms invade the skin but lack a secreted collagenase enzyme required to penetrate the basement membrane and thus become trapped in the epidermis, which results in serpiginous erythema and pruritus [5].…”