Larva Migrans Flashcards
What is Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM)?
Cutaneous larva migrans is a widespread and well-recognized disease in the tropics, caused by nematode larvae that infect by skin penetration. It is also known as creeping eruption.
What are the causative agents of Cutaneous Larva Migrans?
The causative agents are the infective stage of non-human hookworms, including Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Bunostomum phlebotomum, and Strongyloides species of wild animals.
What are the symptoms of Cutaneous Larva Migrans?
The infection causes a red, intensely pruritic (itchy) eruption, raised pink snake-like tracks that are 2-3 mm wide, and may lead to secondary bacterial infection if scratched.
How is Cutaneous Larva Migrans treated?
Treatment includes systemic (oral) agents like albendazole or thiabendazole, and topical freezing agents such as ethylene chloride or liquid nitrogen.
What is Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM)?
Visceral larva migrans is a condition in humans caused by the migration of larvae of non-human species of nematodes, such as Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, which infect by the oral route.
What is the treatment for Visceral Larva Migrans?
Treatment includes diethylcarbamazine, prednisolone, and albendazole.
What is the difference between Cutaneous and Visceral Larva Migrans?
Cutaneous Larva Migrans: Involves the skin, caused by non-human nematodes, and has mild eosinophilia.
Visceral Larva Migrans: Involves various organs like the liver, lungs, and eyes, caused mainly by Toxocara species, and has persistent high eosinophilia.
What is Trichinella spiralis, and what disease does it cause?
Trichinella spiralis is a nematode that causes trichinosis (trichiniasis or trichinelliasis). It is commonly found in pork-eating countries.
How is Trichinella spiralis infection diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through muscular biopsy, stool examination, blood examination (eosinophilia), serological tests (IFAT or ELISA), and radiological examination for calcified cysts.
What is the treatment for Trichinella spiralis infection?
Treatment includes mebendazole for the adult stage, thiabendazole for the larval stage, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammatory reactions.
How can Trichinella spiralis infection be prevented?
Prevention includes proper cooking of pork meat, inspection of pork meat in slaughterhouses, and rat control.
What is the infective stage of Trichinella spiralis?
The infective stage is the encysted larvae.
What is the diagnostic stage of Trichinella spiralis?
The diagnostic stage is the encysted larvae in striated muscle.
What is the lifecycle of Trichinella spiralis?
Adult worms are found in the mucosa of the intestine, and encystment of larvae occurs in the muscle. Humans are infected by ingesting the infective stage, usually in raw or poorly cooked pork.
What is the pathogenesis of Trichinella spiralis infection?
The pathogenesis involves intestinal invasion by adult worms, migration of larvae causing allergic symptoms, and encapsulation of larvae in muscles, which can lead to severe complications like myocarditis, pneumonia, or encephalitis.
What is the difference between Cutaneous Larva Migrans and Larva Currens?
Cutaneous Larva Migrans: Caused by non-human hookworms, with slower migration and less systemic spread.
Larva Currens: Caused by Strongyloides, with faster migration, hematogenous spread to the respiratory system, and perianal involvement due to autoinfection.
What is the role of eosinophilia in diagnosing Larva Migrans?
Eosinophilia is mild in Cutaneous Larva Migrans but persistently high in Visceral Larva Migrans, aiding in diagnosis.
