Geographical animal is the popular name for the cutaneous larva migrans.
The term refers to a verminosis caused by the penetration of these larvae, belonging to the roundworm. Ancylostoma brasiliense, on human skin.
O Ancylostoma brasiliense parasite dogs and cats. Its eggs are eliminated in the feces of these animals and end up contaminating the soil, due to the development of larvae.
Larvae can penetrate the skin of dogs and cats, completing their life cycle. They can also penetrate the skin of humans, which is not their natural host. In this case, they cannot reach the blood circulation and start to travel through the epidermis, leaving their tracks throughout the body, similar to maps. Hence the name geographic beast.
This worm is more prevalent in countries with subtropical and tropical climates.
geographic bug
Transmission, symptoms and treatment
Transmission occurs through human contact with the worm larvae. This can occur in soils contaminated by feces from dogs and cats, which contain worm eggs. Therefore, transmission is common in lawns, beach sands and sand ponds.
The main symptoms in humans are: severe itching, irritation and swelling in the affected area. Feet are usually hit. But it can also occur on the hands and buttocks.
Scratching the injured area can lead to infections. The skin lesion tends to increase with time and larvae movement.
Dogs and cats also show symptoms of larvae infestation, such as anemia, fatigue, breathing difficulties and skin lesions.
The treatment is simple and consists of the application of vermicidal ointments. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to ingest dewormers.
Among the prevention measures, the following stand out:
- Avoid walking barefoot;
- Avoid taking dogs and other animals to the beach;
- Apply dewormers in dogs and cats;
- Collect animal feces and dispose of them properly.
Read too:
Vermin
roundworms
