Strongyloidiasis
Strongyloidiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by the nematode called Strongyloides stercoralis, or sometimes the closely related S. fülleborni. These helminths belong to a group of nematodes called roundworms. These intestinal worms can cause a number of symptoms in people, principally skin symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss, but also many other specific and vague symptoms in disseminated disease, and severe life-threatening conditions through hyperinfection. In some people, particularly those who require corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medication, Strongyloides can cause a hyperinfection syndrome that can lead to death if untreated. The diagnosis is made by blood and stool tests. The medication ivermectin is widely used to treat strongyloidiasis.
| Strongyloidiasis | |
|---|---|
| Micrograph showing strongyloidiasis; a fragment of a worm is seen in the lower right hand corner. H&E stain. | |
| Specialty | Infectious diseases, helminthologist |
| Symptoms | abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, itching and rash |
| Complications | Hyperinfection syndrome |
| Causes | Strongyloides stercoralis |
| Risk factors | Immunocompromisation |
| Diagnostic method | Serology, stool tests |
| Treatment | Ivermectin |
Strongyloidiasis is a type of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Low estimates postulate it to affect 30–100 million people worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical countries, while higher estimates conservatively extrapolate that infection is upwards to or above 370 million people. It belongs to the group of neglected tropical diseases, and worldwide efforts are aimed at eradicating the infection.