The larvae of the Avian Eyeworm (Oxyspirura) can involve the skin.
Oxyspirura is a nematode that involves birds including poultry.
The life cycle of Oxyspirura involves intermediate hosts. The infective third stage larvae develop in insects (cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers).
Risk factors for human infection:
(1) eating insects
(2) close contact with poultry or other birds
Clinical findings:
(1) disseminated erythematous, edematous and pruritic skin lesions except for the soles of the feet
(2) larvae can be seen to emerge from the skin lesions
(3) mild elevation of serum IgE
Diagnosis can be made by microscopic exam of the larvae. The length is 800-850 microns with a diameter of 170-200 microns.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
