Open AccessA Case of Strongyloidiasis: An Immigrant Healthcare Worker Presenting with Fatigue and Weight Loss
Author(s) -
Tarundeep Grewal,
Heela Azizi,
Alexa Kahn,
Zaid Shakir,
Sahar Takkouche,
Khin N. Aung,
William Lois,
Muhammad Hasan
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
case reports in infectious diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2090-6625
pISSN - 2090-6633
DOI - 10.1155/2017/6718284
Subject(s) - strongyloides stercoralis , strongyloidiasis , medicine , strongyloides , intensive care medicine , helminths , immunology
BackgroundStrongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode parasite classified as a soil-transmitted helminth, endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. Strongyloides stercoralis can remain dormant for decades after the initial infection.Case We describe a patient who was diagnosed with Strongyloides stercoralis infection three weeks after a left inguinal hernia repair and discuss approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.Conclusions Physicians in the United States often miss opportunities to identify patients with chronic strongyloidiasis. Symptoms may be vague and screening tests have limitations. We review current strategies for diagnosis and treatment of chronic intestinal strongyloidiasis in immigrant patients who have significant travel history to tropical regions and discuss the clinical features and management of the infection.