Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Occupational risk of cutaneous larva migrans: A case report and a systematic literature review.
- Journal:
- PLoS neglected tropical diseases
- Year:
- 2022
- Authors:
- Stufano, Angela et al.
- Affiliation:
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine · Italy
Plain-English summary
Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a skin infection caused by a type of parasite that is more common in warm areas but is being seen more often in places like Western Europe. This report describes a case involving a dog breeder in southern Italy who developed a wavy, red mark on his hand, which led to a diagnosis of CLM. The study highlights that people who work with soil or have close contact with pets may be at risk for this infection, and it emphasizes the need for a team of experts, including dermatologists and veterinarians, to help diagnose and manage these cases effectively. Overall, the findings suggest that CLM can be a tricky condition to identify and treat, especially in regions where it is not commonly found.
Abstract
Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic zoonosis of warm tropical and subtropical areas, although autochthonous cases have been increasingly reported in Western European countries. Data on the prevalence of CLM as an occupational disease in workers exposed to potentially contaminated soil or in close contact with dogs and cats are scant. Herein, we report an autochthonous case of CLM in a dog breeder from southern Italy (Apulia region), along with a systematic literature review describing the risk of CLM infection, mainly according to job categories. The patient was referred to the dermatology unit presenting a serpiginous lesion on his hand, raising the suspected CLM diagnosis. In non-endemic areas, CLM might represent a challenge for physicians in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, particularly in workplaces. The multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis of CLM with the involvement of different scientific competences (i.e., dermatologists, veterinarians, and occupational physicians) may contribute to further assess the distribution of human CLM and associated risk factors, toward reducing the risk for the infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35551315/