Health Encyclopedia

Strongyloidiasis

Definition

Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

S. stercoralis is a roundworm that is fairly common in warm, moist areas. Rarely, it can be found as far north as Canada.

People catch the infection when they come in contact with soil contaminated with the worms.

The tiny worm is barely visible to the naked eye. Young roundworms can move through a person's skin and into the bloodstream to the lungs and airways. As the worms grow older, they bury themselves in the walls of the intestines. Later, they produce eggs in the intestines. Areas where the worms go through the skin may become red and painful.

The rate of this infection is low in the United States. Most of the disease seen in North America is brought by travelers who have visited or lived in South America and Africa.

Symptoms

Most of the time, there are no symptoms.

Symptoms that may occur include:

Red hive-like areas near the anus
Abdominal pain (upper abdomen)
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Cough
Unintentional weight loss
Rash

Signs and tests

The following tests may be done:

White blood cell count
Stool sample exam to check for S. stercoralis
Duodenal aspiration
Blood antigen test for S. stercoralis
Sputum culture

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to eliminate the worms with anti-worm medications such as ivermectin, albendazole, mebendazole, or thiabendazole.

Expectations (prognosis)

Full recovery with eradication of parasites is expected with adequate treatment. Sometimes treatment needs to be repeated.

Infections that are widespread often have a poor prognosis, especially in patients with weakened immune systems.

Complications

Acute pulmonary eosinophilia (Loeffler's syndrome)
Malabsorption
Disseminated strongyloidiasis, especially in patients with HIV or an otherwise compromised immune system

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of strongyloidiasis are present.

Prevention

Good personal hygiene can reduce the risk of strongyloidiasis. Adequate public health services and sanitary facilities provide good control of infection.

Review Date:10/9/2006
Reviewed By:D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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