Autochthonous cutaneous larva migrans in France and Europe

Abstract

Cutaneous larva migrans is a dermatitis, typically acquired in warm tropical or sub-tropical countries, caused by migration of the larvae of nematodes (hookworm; mainly Ancylostoma braziliense and, occasionally, A. caninum or Uncinaria stenocephala), which are parasitic on animals such as cats and dogs, into the patient’s skin. The larvae penetrate the skin after contact with infected soil and cause a typical creeping eruption. Patients with cutaneous larva migrans seen in Europe have usually acquired the disease following a stay in a tropical or sub-tropical area. However, some cases of cutaneous larval migrans are acquired in Europe. We report here 5 autochthonous cases in France and give an overview of European autochthonous cases.