Death caused by strongyloides hyperinfection in a leprosy patient on treatment for a type II leprosy reaction

Strongyloides stercoralis is present worldwide and can cause hyperinfection in patients on long-term immunosuppressive doses of steroids, as is sometimes the case for patients treated for leprosy reactions. Strongyloides hyperinfection can present with ileus, as is discussed in this case report. Physicians, including surgeons, should be aware of this entity in order to avoid an unnecessary laparotomy. Though patients may survive if diagnosed at an early stage, strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome has a mortality rate of 87% and prevention is therefore of utmost importance.