Intestinal strongyloidiasis--a rare opportunistic infection

Indian J Gastroenterol. 1997 Jul;16(3):105-6.

Abstract

We describe the features of intestinal strongyloidiasis in six patients; five of them were immunosuppressed (four on corticosteroids, one with chronic renal failure). Vomiting and diarrhea were the predominant symptoms. Duodenal mucosa on endoscopy varied from normal to severe ulceration. Albendazole 400 mg/day for two weeks was effective. This condition should be considered in immunosuppressed individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms, especially since these symptoms may be mistakenly attributed to the underlying disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Diarrhea / parasitology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / complications*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / pathology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / parasitology
  • Intestine, Small / parasitology
  • Intestine, Small / pathology
  • Male
  • Opportunistic Infections / complications*
  • Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • Opportunistic Infections / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Strongyloides stercoralis / isolation & purification
  • Strongyloidiasis / complications*
  • Strongyloidiasis / drug therapy
  • Strongyloidiasis / pathology
  • Vomiting / parasitology

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Albendazole