Prevention of Sandworm Disease in Humans

Introduction

Cutaneous larva migrans is the medical term used for sandworm diseases in humans. It is a parasitic infection caused by parasites, namely:

• Ancylostoma braziliense.

• Ancylostoma caninum.

• Ancylostoma ceylonicum.

• Uncinaria stenocephala.

• Bunostomum phlebotomum.

Dog hookworms are also commonly known to cause this type of skin disorder. These disorders are also known as "plumber's itch" and "duck hunter's itch." It is an infectious disease caused by multiple types of hookworm. The mode of transportation of these types of parasites is through animal feces, contaminated soil, and parasite larvae entering through direct human skin contact. Sandworm disease is more frequently seen in areas with warmer climates. The United States, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia are regions with tropical climates. A few studies have also reported that the prevalence of this disease is higher in wet seasons. Tourists traveling from endemic areas are also noted to be the carriers and spreaders of the sandworm disease. Sandworm diseases are most commonly noted to spread through the feet of the individual, cuts, or any other exposed body part.

How Is Sandworm Disease in Humans?

Hookworms are present in the intestines of dogs and cats. Through the feces of dogs and cats, the parasite's eggs get deposited in the soil. In a span of twenty-four hours, these eggs hatch inside the soil. As the week progresses, infective larvae are produced. These worms travel in a snake-like fashion in the soil. These worms spread inside humans through the feet of the individual, cuts, or any other exposed body part. Sandworms secrete an enzyme named hyaluronidase. These enzymes penetrate the basal membrane and enter the lymphatics. After entering the lymphatic system, their lifestyle is unable to be completed. Hookworms are not able to reproduce, and the disease is therefore self-limited. Few symptoms are only present in the initial phase of the disorder, and as the disease advances, the symptoms may even turn out to be fatal.

What Things to Inform the Doctor Before Starting the Treatment of Sandworm Disease?

Whenever an individual visits a doctor for the management of any skin disorder, the following pieces of information should be given to the doctor:

• Family History: It is taken by the doctor as it gives the doctor an idea regarding genetic disorders that are being inherited in a particular family. Various common systemic disorders like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other renal or hepatic disorders provide a guideline for planning the treatment and deciding the medications, as various medications are contraindicated in various systemic diseases.

• Personal History: It includes the pattern of disease etiology, associated signs, and symptoms that an individual suffers from like excessive weight gain or weight loss, drowsiness, lethargy, swollen legs, increased heart rate, increased thirst, increased urge to eat food, increased or reduced urination. These signs and symptoms serve as a guideline for diagnosing the disorder.

• Other Systemic Disorders: The patient should always inform the doctors if they are suffering from other underlying diseases like kidney disorders or liver dysfunction. Doctors prescribe medications keeping in consideration the other underlying systemic conditions.

• Travel History: Individuals traveling from endemic areas like countries having humid climates and high cases of sandworm diseases should give a proper history to the doctor.

What Are the Clinical Features of Sandworm Diseases in Humans?

Symptoms of hookworm infection are usually noted five days after exposure to the causative parasite. Every individual suffers from slightly varying symptoms, and in a few cases, the symptoms start around one month after exposure to the organism. Following are a few common clinical features of sandworm diseases:

• Winding or snake-like lesions are noted on the skin of these individuals.

• Severe itching is a very commonly noted symptom of sandworm disease.

• A few patients also complain of multiple painful blister formations in the affected areas.

• Redness appears in the affected area.

• Patients feel lethargic and are usually irritated.

• Mild fever is also noted in these individuals.

• Sometimes the blisters can get supra-infected and can lead to septic shock.

• Skin abscesses and cellulitis can occur in the affected area in rare cases.

What Are the Diagnostic Criteria for Sandworm Disease in Humans?

• Proper medical history is taken.

• Blood tests include complete blood count, C-reactive protein tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and allergic tests.

• Physicians should carefully note all the signs and symptoms for better diagnosis.

• Radiographic examination of the site of the lesion can reveal the presence of parasites.

What Are the Treatment Protocols for Sandworm Disease in Humans?

Antiparasitic medications are the first line of treatment for sandworm disease in humans. Antiparasitic medications include both oral and topical formulations. Albendazole and Ivermectin are the two most commonly prescribed medications. Sandworm disease is a self-limiting disorder that disappears over weeks or months if not treated.

What Are the Prevention Protocols for Sandworm Disease in Humans?

• Frequent deworming of the pets should be done. Cats and dogs have hookworms in their intestines, and it is a very high probability that sandworm diseases can occur from the feces of these pets.

• Bare feet walking in an open field should be avoided as the hookworm can enter through the exposed bare skin.

• Hygiene should be maintained to prevent hookworm reproduction in the locality. Pets' feces should be properly disposed of, and proper hygiene should be maintained.

Conclusion

Dog hookworms are also commonly known to cause this type of skin disorder. Tourists traveling from endemic areas are also noted to be the carriers and spreaders of the sandworm disease. Sandworm diseases are most commonly noted to spread through the feet of the individual, cuts, or any other exposed body part. These worms spread inside humans through the feet of the individual, cuts, or any other exposed body part. Sandworms secrete an enzyme named hyaluronidase. These enzymes penetrate the basal membrane and enter the lymphatics. Frequent deworming of the pets should be done. Cats and dogs have hookworms in their intestines, and there is a very high probability that sandworm diseases can occur from the feces of these pets.