Imported Cutaneous Larva Migrans: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects Analyzed in a Referral Tropical Medicine Unit in Barcelona

Abstract

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a clinical syndrome typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. The objective of the study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of patients with CLM acquired during international travel. This retrospective observational study analyzes CLM cases treated at an international health unit in Spain. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment-related data were collected. Overall, 107 cases were diagnosed, 63 (58.9%) of them in women, with a mean age of 32.6 years. Most frequent geographic regions of CLM acquisition were Southeast Asia (38 cases, 35.5%) and South America (28, 26.2%). Patients had a median of one skin lesion (range 1-11) located mainly in the lower extremities (83, 77.6%). Treatment was administered in 105 cases (98.1%), with albendazole used in 88 (83.8%), ivermectin in nine (8.6%), mebendazole in six (5.7%), and two cases lacking drug information (1.9%). Among treated cases, clinical resolution was achieved in 88 (83.8%) patients. Symptoms persisted in 17 (16.2%) cases, and recurrence was observed in 14 (13.3%) cases. A total of 26 (24.8%) patients required re-treatment with either albendazole or ivermectin (61.5% and 38.5%, respectively). The resolution rates for ivermectin, albendazole, and mebendazole were 88.9%, 88.6%, and 0.0%, respectively. CLM is a common syndrome in certain geographic regions and is more frequently diagnosed in international travelers. A thorough epidemiological assessment, along with a detailed medical history and physical examination, facilitates early diagnosis and treatment. Currently, ivermectin and albendazole appear to achieve the highest cure rates with lower recurrence rates.