Ancylostoma braziliense, commonly known as the dog and cat hookworm, is a parasitic nematode primarily found in dogs and cats. Humans can become accidentally infected with this parasite through skin contact with contaminated soil or sand containing hookworm larvae. When the larvae penetrate human skin, they cause a condition called cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), also known as “creeping eruption.”
Cutaneous larva migrans presents as red, itchy, winding tracks on the skin, which reflect the larvae’s migration just beneath the surface. These tracks are usually found on exposed skin, such as the feet, legs, or buttocks, and are accompanied by intense itching and inflammation. The larvae cannot complete their lifecycle in humans, so they eventually die within the skin after several weeks or months, but the irritation and discomfort can persist.
Treatment for CLM includes antiparasitic medications, such as albendazole or ivermectin, which help to kill the larvae and speed up healing. Symptomatic treatments, like topical corticosteroids or antihistamines, may also be used to relieve itching and inflammation. Preventive measures include avoiding walking barefoot on sand or soil in areas where dog and cat feces may be present, as well as promoting regular deworming of pets to reduce environmental contamination.
