Open AccessHyperinfection of Strongyloides stercoralis in an immunocompetent patient
Author(s) -
Shreekant Tiwari,
Bibhudutta Rautaraya,
Krishna Padarabinda Tripathy
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
tropical parasitology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.418
H-Index - 11
eISSN - 2229-7758
pISSN - 2229-5070
DOI - 10.4103/2229-5070.105182
Subject(s) - strongyloides stercoralis , strongyloidiasis , albendazole , diarrhea , weight loss , medicine , immunocompetence , strongyloides , pediatrics , immunology , immune system , helminths , surgery , obesity
Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode causing endemic infection, mostly in immunocompromised individuals, in tropical and subtropical regions. Herewith, we are reporting a rare case of this kind in immunocompetent patient. A 31-year-old male patient presented with chief complaints of chronic diarrhea and loss of weight since last 4 months. He reported passing watery and foul smelling stool. He also had loss of appetite since last 2 months and was diagnosed as diabetic since last 4 months but he was not given any treatment for this and his fasting blood sugar was 110 mg/dl. His HIV status was negative. Stool examination done on three occasions showed plenty of S. stercoralis larvae. Patient responded well to albendazole therapy. Strongyloidiasis is not always associated with compromise in immune status. It should be suspected in immunocompetent individuals with history of long-term diarrhea and weight loss.