Which of the following is the most common systemic symptom during migration of larval phase of Helminths like Ancylostoma, Strongyloides and Ascaris?
(A) Asymptomatic (B) Pneumonitis (C) Liver failure (D) Larva migrans
(A) Ans: A. Asymptomatic(Ref Paniker's 7/e p162, 6/e pg180, 210)Larvae of Ascaris, Hookworm and Strongyloides migrate through lung & various other tissues during their lifecycle.Larva migrans:Sometimes larvae appear to lose way & wander around aimlessly.Generally seen when human infection occurs with nonhuman species of nematodes.Ascaris:Pathogenic effects of larval migration due to allergic reaction & not larvae presence.Hence larvae's initial exposure usually asymptomatic.Except on very heavy larval load.Symptomatic conditions:Visceral larvae migrans is produced by infection with non-human nematodes.Le. Nematodes frequently infecting dogs & cats.Cause local alveolar hemorrhages.Symptoms during migration due to allergic reaction & significant only in massive infections.Clinical pneumonitis seen only in massive infections.Hence mostly asymptomatic.