Gnathostoma

• Causes gnathostomiasis, also known as larva migrans profundus

Background

Microbiology

• Human infection caused by the nematode (roundworm) Gnathostoma spinigerum or Gnathostoma hispidum

Epidemiology

• Acquired by ingestion of undercooked freshwater fish, reptiles, or amphibians

Clinical Manifestations

• Migrating itchy and painful nodules
• History of eating raw freshwater fish, reptiles, or amphibians
• Primarily in SE Asia, South/Central America (especially Peru), and Australia
  • Now case reports of it in eels in the US

Diagnosis

• Serology