Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Larva migrans occurs when helminth larvae infect an abnormal host (often humans) and are unable to complete their development, leading to aimless migration through tissues.
This migration is classified as either Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM) or Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) depending on the tissues traversed.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the clinical manifestations of each parasite:
- Gnathostoma spinigerum: This nematode naturally infects dogs, cats, and wild carnivores. When humans ingest undercooked intermediate hosts (like fish, frogs, or poultry containing infective larvae), the larvae migrate randomly. Because of their highly migratory nature, they can cause both Cutaneous Larva Migrans (characterized by painful, pruritic, migratory subcutaneous swellings) and Visceral Larva Migrans (where the larvae invade internal organs, including the liver, lungs, eyes, and central nervous system). This dual manifestation is a classic hallmark of gnathostomiasis.
- Toxocara canis: This dog roundworm is the primary cause of Visceral Larva Migrans and Ocular Larva Migrans (OLM) in humans. It does not typically cause Cutaneous Larva Migrans.
- Ancylostoma caninum: This dog hookworm is the primary cause of Cutaneous Larva Migrans (also known as creeping eruption) in humans, where larvae tunnel through the epidermis. It rarely causes visceral forms.
- Strongyloides stercoralis: This threadworm causes a specific rapid cutaneous lesion called "larva currens" but is not traditionally classified as a classic cause of standard Visceral Larva Migrans.
Thus, Gnathostoma spinigerum is responsible for both clinical presentations.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The parasite causing both visceral and cutaneous larva migrans is Gnathostoma spinigerum, corresponding to option (D).