Cutaneous larva migrans in a young child following circumrotation as a cultural ritual

Abstract

Cutaneous larva migrans is an acquired, self-limited infestation caused by cat hookworm, Ancylostoma braziliense, and dog hookworm, A. caninum. The disease is acquired by direct contact with contaminated soil. Circumrotation is a religious ritual practised by devotees of Hinduism as a fulfilment of vows taken at the shrine and involves rolling over with uncovered upper body on the sand over a distance of up to 600 m. It is a reported mode of acquisition of cutaneous larva migrans infestation. The authors report a 10-year-old boy who acquired cutaneous larva migrans on his right forearm after circumrotation. The forearm is an unusual site for this infestation, and most reported cases had lesions on the feet, thighs and buttocks following either sitting or playing on contaminated soil. The child made complete recovery following treatment with albendazole for 1 week.