Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection in an Immunocompetent Patient: An Unusual Case

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-dwelling nematode causing endemic infection, mostly in immunocompromised individuals, in tropical and subtropical regions. However, strongyloidiasis has been reported in immunocompetent individuals in several case reports. Here, a case of an immunocompetent individual is reported. A 25-year-old male patient presented with chief complaints of abdominal discomfort with vomiting and weight loss since last three months. The pain was dull aching in nature and had no relation with food intake but vomiting worsened after taking food. Clinical diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease was made and patient was started on steroid therapy. Later stool was sent for microbiological examination and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae was demonstrated. Patient responded to albendazole therapy which was given for seven days. Hence, strongyloidiasis should be suspected not only in immunocompromised individual but also in immunocompetent individuals as well.

Keywords

• immunosuppressed
• nematode
• parasitic infection