Chronic Larva Currens Following Tourist Travel to the Gambia and Southeast Asia Over 20 Years Ago

J Cutan Med Surg. 2015 Jul-Aug;19(4):412-5. doi: 10.1177/1203475415575247. Epub 2015 Mar 5.

Abstract

Larva currens is the cutaneous manifestation of human infection with the geotropic helminth Strongyloides stercoralis. Strongyloidiasis is a lifelong infection unless treated. A high index of suspicion is needed to prevent chronic symptoms of strongyloidiasis (eg, larva currens, eosinophilia, abdominal discomfort) and to prevent fatal dissemination. We present a case of chronic larva currens following tourist travel to the Gambia and Southeast Asia>20 years ago. This case highlights several important features of larva currens and strongyloidiasis, including the chronicity of symptoms, the rapidity of the migratory serpiginous rash, and the absence of high-grade eosinophilia.

Keywords: migratory rash; parasitic infection; serpiginous rash; strongyloidiasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asia, Southeastern
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Gambia
  • Humans
  • Knee / parasitology
  • Knee / pathology
  • Larva Migrans / parasitology*
  • Larva Migrans / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Strongyloides stercoralis / isolation & purification*
  • Strongyloidiasis / parasitology*
  • Strongyloidiasis / pathology
  • Travel*