Gnathostomiasis

Gnathostomiasis is the human infection by the nematode (roundworm) Gnathostoma spinigerum and/or Gnathostoma hispidum, which infects vertebrate animals. Specifically, the disease is due to migrating immature worms.

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Symptoms

Migration in the subcutaneous tissues (under the skin) causes intermittent, migratory, painful, pruritic swellings (cutaneous larva migrans). Migration to other tissues (visceral larva migrans), can result in cough, hematuria, ocular (eye) involvement, meningitis, encephalitis and eosinophilia.

Laboratory Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gnathostomiasis is possible (with microscopy) after removal of the worm.

Treatment

Surgical removal or treatment with Albendazole or Ivermectin is recommended.