The popularity of sand sports has increased significantly, driven by their recreational appeal combined with health benefits. However, because these sports are typically played barefoot in areas where dogs and cats may roam freely, the risk of human exposure to zoonotic parasites-such as the causative agents of cutaneous and visceral larva migrans (Ancylostoma caninum, A. braziliense, and Strongyloides stercoralis)-increases. This study aimed to investigate the presence of potentially zoonotic helminth larvae in the sand of public sports courts in the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil, a coastal region with high tourist influx. Thirty-eight courts were analyzed during the winter (August 2022) and summer (February 2023), with sand samples collected at three depths (surface, 10 cm, and 20 cm). Samples were processed using the modified Rugai method and examined via light microscopy for morphological identification of the larvae. Statistical analyses to identify environmental and seasonal factors associated with the parasites included chi-square, Fisher's exact, and generalized linear model (GLM) tests. Of the courts evaluated, 18 (47.3%) tested positive for zoonotic helminths in the winter and 19 (50.0%) in the summer. Strongyloides spp. were more frequent in the winter (13 courts; 34.2%), while Ancylostoma spp. were more frequent in the summer (15 courts; 39.5%). Across both seasons, 27 courts harbored at least one parasite, with nine testing positive during both periods. Ancylostoma spp. occurred predominantly in the surface layer during the summer, whereas Strongyloides spp. were more abundant in the shallow and deep layers during the winter. The presence of grass surrounding the courts acted as a protective factor against Ancylostoma spp. (OR = 0.25; p = 0.048), while complete shading favored Strongyloides spp. (OR = 13.71; p = 0.033). These findings highlight elevated contamination of the courts throughout the year and reinforce the need for year-round environmental sanitation measures, properly management of stray or owned dogs and cats populations, and health education to reduce the risk of infection in recreational areas.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by zoonotic Ancylostomatidae larvae, mainly Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma caninum, which infect dogs and cats. Humans are accidental hosts, acquiring infection when L3 larvae in contaminated soil penetrate the skin, producing serpiginous, pruritic lesions. We report a 24-year-old female from Quito, Ecuador, who developed a pruritic lesion on her right foot nine days after walking barefoot on wet, potentially fecally contaminated sand at Atacames Beach. Initial self-treatment with benzyl benzoate and herbal washes, followed by misdiagnoses as scabies and plantar warts, delayed proper care. Lesions progressed over three weeks with intense pruritus and functional impairment. CLM was correctly diagnosed by a podiatric technician 26 days post-exposure. Oral albendazole (400 mg/day for 4 days) led to rapid symptomatic relief within three days, with complete resolution by day 50. A survey analyzed by the McNemar Test revealed difficulties in recognizing early-stage CLM, regardless of experience or region among participants. Prevention requires personal protection, environmental sanitation, and regular anthelmintic treatment of dogs and cats. This case underscores the clinical consequences of delayed or incorrect diagnosis and highlights the need for enhanced healthcare training and One Health measures to reduce zoonotic diseases in Ecuador.

Hookworms are widespread zoonotic parasites affecting humans and companion animals worldwide. We report molecular characterization of Ancylostoma ceylanicum and A. braziliense in a cat imported into Romania from Guadeloupe, an overseas administrative region of the French Republic in the Caribbean. This finding underscores the role of molecular diagnostics in detecting the transboundary introduction of exotic hookworms with significant zoonotic potential.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic skin infestation typically caused by animal hookworm larvae, most often Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma caninum. The disease is an erythematous, serpiginous, pruritic, cutaneous eruption caused by accidental percutaneous penetration and subsequent migration of larvae. It is commonly reported in tropical or subtropical regions but may appear elsewhere through international travel. We describe the case of a female traveller who developed a serpiginous, pruritic lesion on her foot after exposure to river water while visiting Oman. The diagnosis of CLM was made clinically in Albania based on the typical morphology and travel history. The patient responded completely to a short course of albendazole. This case highlights the diagnostic value of recognizing characteristic skin lesions in returning travelers and the importance of early treatment to prevent complications. To our knowledge, no dermatologic lesion identified as CLM has been reported previously in Albania.

Canine ancylostomiasis is an emerging soil-transmitted parasitic zoonosis that poses significant public and animal health concerns. Although Ancylostoma caninum and A. ceylanicum have been widely reported in India, molecular sequencing report on A. braziliense from Southern India remain limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to molecularly characterize the predominant canine hookworm species in dog faecal and soil samples in the urban community of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 278 dog faecal and 243 soil samples were examined through flotation techniques using saturated sodium chloride and sodium carbonate, respectively. The hookworm species were identified using ITS-based primers, followed by restriction endonuclease digestion using HinFI. Microscopic examination revealed that 42.5 % and 6.6 % hookworm positivity in faecal and soil samples, respectively. Molecular assays identified 75.5 % as A. caninum, 10.9 % as A. braziliense and 13.6 % as mixed infections with both species, with an overall prevalence of 93.2 % in faecal samples. The higher prevalence of hookworm infection in dogs less than one year of age compared to older dogs, with mongrels being more affected than purebred dogs. Owned dogs showed slightly higher infection rates than free-roaming dogs and male dogs were more commonly infected, especially during the monsoon. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. caninum isolates clustered closely with those from Japan, Vietnam and China, indicating genetic relatedness and possible shared ancestry. A. braziliense isolates formed a distinct monophyletic clade, separate from isolates in Malaysia, Brazil and the USA, suggesting regional divergence and the presence of unique genetic lineages in Southern India.

Tropical infections often present with characteristic dermatologic manifestations, which can serve as early indicators for diagnosis. However, these signs are frequently misidentified or underreported in emerging and outbreak settings. This narrative review critically evaluates the diagnostic utility of dermatologic findings across over 25 tropical infections, spanning viral (e.g., dengue, Zika, chikungunya, Mayaro virus, O'nyong-nyong virus), bacterial (e.g., Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Rickettsia spp.), parasitic/helminthic (e.g., Loa loa, Ancylostoma braziliense, Tunga penetrans, Gnathostoma spinigerum), and fungal pathogens (e.g., Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis). A thematic synthesis was conducted using peer-reviewed case reports, outbreak investigations, and cross-specialty literature bridging dermatology and infectious diseases. Emphasis was placed on lesion patterns, geographic distribution, climate and seasonal influences, and clinical interpretability. Findings indicate that although many infections share overlapping cutaneous features, certain lesion patterns can aid preliminary diagnosis when interpreted in the context of local epidemiology. Limitations include reliance on anecdotal data, nonstandardized terminology, and underinvolvement of dermatologists in outbreak settings. The review concludes that dermatologic signs remain an underutilized but essential tool for early detection. Recommendations include adopting standardized dermatologic terminology, improving clinician training in skin-based recognition, and enhancing collaboration between dermatology and infectious disease specialists. Recognizing cutaneous manifestations can facilitate rapid case identification, optimize public health responses, and improve outbreak preparedness in tropical regions.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic skin disease caused by nematode larvae, most commonly Ancylostoma braziliense and A. caninum, which infect humans through direct contact with soil or sand contaminated by animal faeces. Endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, CLM presents as intensely pruritic, serpiginous, erythematous tracks caused by larval migration within the epidermis. Although it is self-limiting, the disease can have a major impact on quality of life, particularly in resource-poor settings. Climate change, international travel and urbanization have expanded the geographic range of CLM, with cases increasingly reported in temperate regions. Clinical variants include follicular and bullous forms, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, and effective treatment includes oral anthelmintic drugs such as albendazole or ivermectin. Preventive measures, including good sanitation, pet deworming and the use of footwear, are crucial in endemic areas. An awareness among clinicians of the expanding distribution and varied presentations of CLM is essential for timely diagnosis and management, particularly in nonendemic regions.

Zoonotic soil-transmitted helminths (STH), including Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Trichuris vulpis, Trichuris suis, and Ascaris suum, are increasingly recognised as potential sources of human infection. Additionally, animals can act as carriers or reservoirs for human STH species. However, the extent of cross-host infection remains poorly understood, primarily due to reliance on morphological diagnostics. This review compiles data on the occurrence of cross-host STH infections, highlighting zoonotic STH in humans and human STH species in domestic and livestock animals. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were systematically searched without restriction on publication date, covering records available from inception to December 2024, with the earliest retrieved study published in 1942. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on cross-host STH infections confirmed by molecular methods. Exclusion criteria included experimental infection studies, studies involving wildlife, and those that did not find cross-host infection. Two independent reviewers assessed bias using Appraisal tool for Cross-sectional studies (AXIS) and Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. The protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024519067). The review screened 4197 titles and abstracts and included 51 studies. Ancylostoma ceylanicum was the commonest zoonotic STH reported, predominantly in Southeast Asia. Human STH species (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides) were found in dogs, cats, and pigs. Studies examining both humans and animals together in shared environments showed STH presence in both populations. Case studies revealed gastrointestinal and dermatological effects in humans particularly infected with zoonotic hookworms. This systematic review highlights STH cross-host species infections underscoring the need for further One health epidemiological investigations of humans and domestic/livestock animals in sympatric environments to better understand the burden and explore the transmission dynamics of cross-host STH infections.

Hookworms are blood-sucking intestinal parasites that can cause anaemia and protein loss in humans. Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a zoonotic hookworm species of dogs, is the second most common cause of human hookworm infections. With the increasing anthelmintic resistance risks and the uncontrolled stray dog population in Sarawak Borneo, East Malaysia, understanding the genetic structure of A. ceylanicum is crucial for tracking mutation patterns and assessing zoonotic transmission risks. This study determined the prevalence and genetic diversity of dog hookworm species using microscopy, PCR and sequencing, revealing A. ceylanicum (43.6%; 89/204), followed by mixed infections of A. ceylanicum and A. braziliense (9.3%; 19/204), single infections of A. caninum (6.3%; 13/204), and A. braziliense (1.4%; 3/204) in stray dogs in East Malaysia (Sarawak Borneo). Phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene showed that A. ceylanicum from Sarawak Borneo clustered across all major clades, indicating high genetic divergence and admixture. Haplotype analysis revealed that the Malaysian A. ceylanicum population highly mirrors those in Cambodia and Thailand, suggesting significant gene flow across Southeast Asia, while regional disparities exist compared to other countries. These findings provide critical epidemiological insights for hookworm control strategies, including stray dog management and potential adjustments to mass drug administration programs. The high genetic connectivity of A. ceylanicum population across borders underscores the need for enhanced surveillance, One Health approaches, and monitoring anthelminthic resistance to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission.

Hookworm infection represents a major global disease burden, in terms of both morbidity and economic impact, and there has been a resurgence of hookworms in developed nations where these parasites were once thought to be eradicated. Hookworms can infest humans or other mammals as their primary hosts depending on the species. The 2 most common species that seek human hosts-Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale-enter the body through the epidermis, and hookworm infection may manifest as a pruritic and papular inflammatory reaction know as ground itch. Once they penetrate blood vessels, the hookworms localize in the lungs where they produce an eosinophilic pneumonitis, then they are swallowed with sputum and localize in the gastrointestinal tract in their adult form, with resulting symptoms of iron deficiency. Zoonotic hookworms such as Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala can infest pets such as dogs and cats but also can erroneously penetrate the skin when a human comes into contact with soil contaminated with larval hookworms. In such instances, the hookworms cannot traverse the basal layer of the epidermis and remain confined to the stratum spinosum, a condition known as cutaneous larva migrans (CLM).

Humans can be infected with anthroponotic (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) and with zoonotic (Ancylostoma ceylanicum, A. caninum, A. braziliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala) hookworms from dogs. Anthroponotic species are usually thought not to infect dogs. We used the internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS1) gene in a quantitative PCR to detect anthroponotic and zoonotic hookworm species in fecal samples from 54 children and 79 dogs living in an indigenous community in tropical Northwestern Ecuador. Hookworm DNA was detected in 59.3% of children and 92.4% of dogs. Among samples from children, zoonotic hookworms were detected in 24.1% (A. ceylanicum 14.8%, A. caninum 11.1%, and A. braziliense 1.9%), whilst in dog samples, anthroponotic species were detected in 19.0% (N. americanus 12.4% and A. duodenale 6.3%). Sanger sequencing was performed successfully on 60 qPCR-positive samples (16 from children and 44 from dogs), and consensus sequences were obtained with >98% homology to GenBank references for hookworm spp. Phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship between anthroponotic and zoonotic Ancylostoma species and no heterogeneity between A. duodenale and A. caninum; in human samples, we found A. ceylanicum but not A. braziliense sequences and we were unable to identify N. americanus in the dog samples. No infections with U. stenocephala were detected. Our data provide evidence for high rates of hookworm infections in indigenous children and dogs in a marginalized rural setting in coastal Ecuador. We also found evidence for potential cross-transmission of hookworm spp. between humans and dogs that represent a potential domestic reservoir for zoonotic and anthroponotic hookworms.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is an ectoparasitic infestation predominantly caused by nematodes, specifically Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma caninum , found in tropical and subtropical regions. Although follicular involvement by the parasite is a rare manifestation, with approximately 20 cases reported in the English literature, its pathogenesis remains underexplored. The present study reports 2 cases of CLM presenting with follicular involvement in patients with pruritic lesions following travel to subtropical areas. The first of them is a 32-year-old woman who developed an abdominal skin lesion subsequent to a trip to Thailand and the second is a 28-year-old woman who exhibited a knee lesion after a volunteer mission in Senegal. Histologic examination revealed characteristic features of CLM, such as nematode larvae traversing the hair follicle. The hookworm larvae were observed creating tunnels within the external root sheath. In addition, they were interfacing with the vitreous layer, sparing the perifollicular connective tissue sheath and the Henle layer, and approaching the vicinity of the hair bulb. The application of skin ultrasound to guide the biopsy facilitated the visualization and identification of the parasite within the follicle in the latter case. This study not only underscores follicular involvement in CLM but also provides insights into its anatomopathological presentation and spread through the hair follicle.

Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma pluridentatum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Spirometra spp. Other nematodes, such as Physaloptera praeputialis and Physaloptera anomala, were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus Oncicola and a trematode, Neodiplostomum spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health.