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.

Symptoms

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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

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

Treatment

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Surgical removal or treatment with Albendazole or Ivermectin is recommended.

External link

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• Gnathostomiasis

Parasitic diseases