Strongyloides Infection Often Not Recognized

In one U.S. hospital, S. stercoralis was the third most common intestinal parasite identified; often, such infection was misdiagnosed, or the diagnosis was long delayed.

Infection with the helminth Strongyloides stercoralis is widespread among immigrants from Southeast Asia and remains endemic in some regions of the southeastern U.S. Such infection can persist for years, often asymptomatically. Steroid use — common when the condition is misdiagnosed — can lead to life-threatening hyperinfection. Now, in a retrospective study, researchers have analyzed all cases of S. stercoralis infection diagnosed at a St. Paul, Minnesota, medical center from 1993 through 2002.

During this period, S. stercoralis was identified in stool samples from 149 patients and in sputum samples from 3 patients, accounting for 11% of all potentially pathogenic gastrointestinal parasites found. Most patients were immigrants from Southeas…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)