Disseminated strongyloidiasis in an immunocompetent male: A Case Report

J Pak Med Assoc. 2019 May;69(5):761-763.

Abstract

Strongyloidiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by infection of Strongyloidesstercoralis. It can manifest from asymptomatic eosinophilia in an immunocompetent host and disseminate the disease in the immunocompromised ones. The inconsistency of eosinophilia and low sensitivity of a standard microscopic stool examination makes it difficult to diagnose the disease. We report a case of chronic strongyloidiasis who, despite being immunocompetent, developed dissemination. The patient was a 30-years-old male who presented with diarrhoea, vomiting, high-grade fever and dyspnoea. On examination, he was pale, oedematous and had ascites with systolic murmurs in tricuspid area. After a fullworkup for differentials, biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Echocardiogram revealed vegetations on mitral and tricuspid valves and regurgitation through the valves, which confirmed dissemination to endocardium. A course of Ivermectin 9 mg daily for two weeks eradicated the infection in time. In conclusion, awareness for physicians and the use of various diagnostic methods like serology, endoscopy and biopsy should be considered for high risk patients.

Keywords: Strongyloidesstercoralis, Disseminated strongyloidiasis, Immunocompetent host..

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia / diagnosis
  • Anemia / therapy
  • Antiparasitic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ascites / diagnostic imaging
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Diet, High-Protein
  • Duodenum / pathology
  • Endocarditis / diagnosis*
  • Endocarditis / therapy
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Hematinics / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypoalbuminemia / diagnosis
  • Hypoalbuminemia / therapy
  • Immunocompetence*
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Strongyloidiasis / diagnosis*
  • Strongyloidiasis / immunology
  • Strongyloidiasis / pathology
  • Strongyloidiasis / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Antiparasitic Agents
  • Hematinics
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Ivermectin