Strongyloidiasis under immunosuppressive therapy
Hanck, C.; Holzer, B.R.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 122(23): 899-902
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7672 PMID: 1615300 Document Number: 388797
Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease of tropical regions and to some extent of the South of Europe. In immunocompromised patients, particularly under steroid medication, infestation by this nematode may sometimes lead to life-threatening hyper-infestation. Diagnosis is often difficult because of a polymorphic clinical picture and usually low larvae excretion in the stool. The case is reported of a Yugoslavian patient who under corticosteroid therapy suffered from severe diarrhea and dehydration due to hyperinfestation by nematode larvae. Several attempts at treatment were necessary to eradicate the infestation.