What Are the CLM Family of Parasites?

Millions of people walk barefoot, whether it’s in the house, on the beach or, (in the case of children), in a sandbox. For the majority of people there is nothing to worry about, besides getting their feet dirty. For others, though, there could be extreme consequences. These consequences are known as the CLM, (Cutaneous larvae migrans), family of parasites. The CLM family of parasites, which begin their lives in animal feces, get into human bodies through bare feet, hands or buttocks. Once there, the CLM family of parasites wreak havoc on the body. This article will discuss what happens when one becomes infected with the CLM family of parasites.

Initially, some sufferers may not experience any symptoms after CLM infestation. Usually, these infestations were not very severe to start with. More serious cases usually result in a rash around the area or areas through which the CLM family of parasites entered the body. As infestation progresses, the CLM family of parasites burrows themselves into the skin, resulting in blisters and red lines. As time progresses, the CLM family of parasites travel throughout the body, attaching to internal organs such as lungs or intestinal lining.

What treatment is available for persons afflicted by the CLM family of parasites? If the infection is not severe, no treatment is necessary since the body will expel them naturally. If the infection is severe, the drugs that are used are Thiabendazole, Ivermectin or Albendazole. Whether treatment is used or not, fortunately the mortality rate for CLM infestations is low. When deaths do occur it is usually due to cellulitis, a condition that causes inflammation of tissues in the skin. It is a complication of advanced CLM infestation.

What can be done to prevent infection from the CLM family of parasites? The first one is the most obvious: don’t walk barefoot on sand. Secondly, sand boxes should be covered when children are not playing them. Thirdly, one should take caution not to lie directly on the sand when sunbathing. Instead use a folding beach chair or a beach towel. Lastly, everyone should try to be responsible by not taking their dogs with them to the beach, assuming that the beach does not have rules against having pets there. Since the CLM family of parasites travel through dog feces, if the feces aren’t there, the chances of contracting CLM infection lessens significantly.

In conclusion, the CLM family of parasites can be an annoying problem if they infect the body. However, they are not too difficult to treat. The three main things to remember when it comes to CLM infection is to try to protect oneself by wearing shoes, going to the doctor as soon as possible if symptoms are present and leaving the dog at home when deciding to go to the beach. The last element of suggestion is perhaps the most crucial, since dog defecation is how the CLM family of parasites enter the body in the first place. Sure, it might be fun having the family pet go along during the beach trip, but is it worth the possible health risk to oneself and everyone else on the beach?