Disseminated strongyloidiasis. Diagnosis made by sputum examination
Harris, R.A.; Musher, D.M.; Fainstein, V.; Young, E.J.; Clarridge, J.
JAMA 244(1): 65-66
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-7484 PMID: 7382060 Document Number: 162082
Two cases of disseminated strongyloidiasis in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy for underlying diseases are described. Diagnosis was facilitated by the discovery of Strongyloides stercoralis larvae in the sputum (they also occurred in the faeces). Chronic diarrhoea was a prominent symptom. One patient had signs suggesting pancreatic involvement. After treatment with thiabendazole (3 g daily for 3 days) his fever, productive cough, abdominal pain and eosinophilia quickly disappeared. In the 2nd patient, thiabendazole therapy resulted in the disappearance of eosinophilia, and of larvae from the faeces.