Management of chronic strongyloidiasis in immigrants and refugees: is serologic testing useful?

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2009 May;80(5):788-91.

Abstract

We assessed the usefulness of serologic testing in monitoring strongyloidiasis in immigrants after treatment with two doses of ivermectin. An observational study was conducted in a group of Cambodian immigrants residing in Melbourne who were treated for strongyloidiasis and followed-up in a general practice setting. Two doses of ivermectin (200 microg/kg) were administered orally. Periodic serologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing was undertaken for up to 30 months after treatment. Antibody titers for Strongyloides sp. decreased in 95% (38 of 40) of the patients, 47.5% (19 of 40) had a decrease in optical density to less than 0.5, and 65% (26 of 40) reached levels consistent with a cure during the follow-up period. Serologic testing for Strongyloides sp. is a useful tool for monitoring a decrease in antibody levels after effective treatment. This testing should be carried out 6-12 months after treatment to ensure a sustained downward trend suggestive of cure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Helminth / blood*
  • Australia
  • Cambodia / ethnology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Refugees*
  • Strongyloidiasis / blood
  • Strongyloidiasis / drug therapy*
  • Strongyloidiasis / ethnology
  • Strongyloidiasis / immunology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Ivermectin