Cutaneous larva migrans (creeping eruption) is caused by the larvae of which organism, and what is the treatment of choice?

• A Strongyloides stercoralis; ivermectin
• B Ancylostoma braziliense (dog/cat hookworm); ivermectin or albendazole ✓
• C Toxocara canis; thiabendazole topical only
• D Dracunculus medinensis; mebendazole

Explanation

Cutaneous larva migrans ('creeping eruption') is caused most commonly by Ancylostoma braziliense (dog/cat hookworm) and A. caninum, whose larvae penetrate human skin (usually through bare feet on contaminated soil/sand) but cannot complete their life cycle, causing serpiginous, intensely pruritic, migrating tracks in the skin. Treatment of choice is a single dose of ivermectin (200 mcg/kg) or oral albendazole for 3–7 days. Thiabendazole topical is no longer preferred due to limited bioavailability. Strongyloides causes larva currens — a faster, more urticarial track pattern.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.