Gnathostomiasis (Gnathostoma Infection)

Causal Agent:

The nematode (roundworm) Gnathostoma spinigerum and Gnathostoma hispidum, which infects vertebrate animals.  Human gnathostomiasis is due to migrating immature worms.

Life Cycle:

Some of the elements in this figure were created based on an illustration by Dr. Sylvia Paz Díaz Camacho, Universidade Autónoma de Sinaloa, Mexico.

In the natural definitive host (pigs, cats, dogs, wild animals) the adult worms reside in a tumour which they induce in the gastric wall.  They deposit eggs that are unembryonated when passed in the feces.  Eggs become embryonated in water, and eggs release first-stage larvae.  If ingested by a small crustacean (Cyclops, first intermediate host), the first-stage larvae develop into second-stage larvae.  Following ingestion of the Cyclops by a fish, frog, or snake (second intermediate host), the second-stage larvae migrate into the flesh and develop into third-stage larvae.  When the second intermediate host is ingested by a definitive host, the third-stage larvae develop into adult parasites in the stomach wall.  Alternatively, the second intermediate host may be ingested by the paratenic host (animals such as birds, snakes, and frogs) in which the third-stage larvae do not develop further but remain infective to the next predator.  Humans become infected by eating undercooked fish or poultry containing third-stage larvae, or reportedly by drinking water containing infective second-stage larvae in Cyclop.

Geographic Distribution:

Asia, especially Thailand and Japan; recently emerged as an important human parasite in Mexico.

Clinical Features:

The clinical manifestations in human gnathostomiasis are caused by migration of the immature worms (L3s).  Migration in the subcutaneous tissues causes intermittent, migratory, painful, pruritic swellings (cutaneous larva migrans).  Migration to other tissues (visceral larva migrans), can result in cough, haematuria, and ocular involvement, with the most serious manifestations eosinophilic meningitis with myeloencephalitis.  High eosinophilia is present.

Laboratory Diagnosis:

Removal and identification of the worm is both diagnostic and therapeutic.

  • Microscopy

Treatment:

Surgical removal or treatment with albendazole

  • or ivermectin
  • is recommended. 

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