Introduction Demographics Causes Clinical features Diagnosis Treatment Outcome
Gnathostomiasis is a zoonosis (an infection passed on from animals) caused by larvae of a nematode (unsegmented roundworm). The most common cause is Gnathostoma spinigerum. Other species include G. hispidum.
Cutaneous gnathostomiasis is known by various names across the world including:
Gnathostomiasis is endemic in countries where food is eaten raw or is undercooked. The affected regions include South East Asia, Japan, Latin America, China, India, and Africa. The first Australian case was confirmed in 2011 in Western Australia.
Gnathostomiasis is rare. However, the diagnosis should be considered in people with cutaneous lesions and eosinophilia that have recently travelled in endemic countries.
Gnathostomiasis is caused by ingesting larvae in improperly cooked foods such as fish, chicken, snakes and frogs. Typically, sushi does not pose a risk of gnathostomiasis, as more expensive saltwater fish do not carry the larvae.
In humans, intermittent symptoms appear when the late third-stage larvae migrate through the tissues. The larvae cannot reach sexual maturity in a human host.
Generalised symptoms may develop within 24–48 hours after consuming the larvae. Such symptoms include:
Cutaneous gnathostomiasis presents as linear non-pitting oedema.
Lesions are seen on the face are associated with spread to the central nervous system or eyes.
The visceral disease is due to migration of gnathostomiasis larvae within the body
Pulmonary symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Genitourinary symptoms
Ocular symptoms
Auricular symptoms
The central nervous system (CNS)
CNS disease can present as progressively worsening disease over several days. Symptoms include:
Gnathostomiasis is diagnosed by serology in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) when CNS is involved.
It may be suspected in the presence of significant blood or CSF eosinophilia (up to 50% of total white cell count). Note that eosinophilia disappears in chronic disease when larvae enter subcutaneous tissues.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows diffuse spinal cord enlargement and areas of increased signal intensity.
A skin biopsy may show characteristic features. See also gnathostomiasis pathology.
Gnathostomiasis larvae in the skin are removed surgically.
Medical treatment may include ivermectin or albendazole.
If cutaneous or visceral gnathostomiasis is left untreated, the larvae may continue to cause intermittent symptoms until they die, which can be up to 12 years. The patient is considered clear of disease if asymptomatic for 12 months after treatment, eosinophilia has resolved, and ELISA levels have decreased.
Relapse can occur up to 7 months after treatment, necessitating retreatment and close follow-up. There is a high mortality rate for patients with CNS involvement.
