The First Reported Case of Extensive Cutaneous Larva Migrans in Yemen

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is the most common helminthic dermatosis, typically found in tropical regions. It is clinically diagnosed when its characteristic serpiginous, migrating tracks are observed. CLM is most frequently caused by larvae of the dog or cat hookworm, Ancylostoma braziliense, which can penetrate and migrate through the host’s epidermis by releasing degradative enzymes. Diagnosis is generally based on the characteristic clinical presentation, and empirical treatment with oral anthelmintics, such as albendazole and ivermectin, is usually initiated. This report details the case of a 47-year-old man with a 2-month history of an itchy, serpiginous eruption on his back, abdomen, buttock, and thigh. The patient was successfully treated with oral albendazole 400 mg/day for three days. This is the first documented case of CLM in Yemen. This case demonstrates the need for improved medical knowledge and public education regarding the mode of infestation (skin contact with sand containing larvae of dog or cat hookworms), preventive measures (avoiding walking barefoot in sand contaminated with the feces of dogs and cats), and treatment of CLM.