CUTANEOUS AND VISCERAL LARVA MIGRANS AS ZOONOSIS: REVIEW

Abstract

Larva migrans is a wildword disease, but it is more related to tropical and subtropical countries. The infection is described as a parasitic zoonosis involving the larvae migration of some worm species in numerous parts of the human being body and are divided into cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), visceral larva migrans (VLM) and ocular larva migrans (OLM). CLM is a disease which occurs when in direct contact with the larvae, they invade the skin and migrate to the subcutaneous tissue, forming larva tracks in the human epidermis. When the larvae are ingested and migrate through the inner organs of the host, this condition is referred to as VLM. OLM is the affection ocurring when the larvae, after ingested as VLM, invade the human being eyes. The most important CLM and VCM etiological agents are Ancylostoma spp and Toxocara spp, respectively, worms species whose natural hosts are dogs and cats. The environmental contamination by zoonotic potential eggs and larvae is an important indicator of CLM and VLM occurrences. Clinical presentations differ in accordance to the affected organ and are conclusive in CLM and VLM diagnosis if it is associated with serological and laboratorial exams. Numerous environmental, cultural and economic factors that predispose these conditions, as well as the increasing number of dogs and cats in house and on streets, lack of a periodical treatment program of these animals with antihelminthics, free approach of dogs and cats in public areas, beaches, clubs and schools, poor basic sanitation and health profissionals and population unknowing about CLM and VLM, lead to the occurrence of these conditions in various Brazilian regions. The preventive measures that must be employed for this zoonoses control are: health education, emphasizing the wear of shoes and adequate hygiene habits, faecal parasitological tests, periodical antihelminthic administration programs for dogs and cats, birth control of these animals, limited public areas for them and information for the health professional about the importance of definitive diagnosis for CLM and VLM.