Pulmonary Infection Caused by Strongyloides stercoralis

Acta Parasitol. 2022 Jun;67(2):1044-1048. doi: 10.1007/s11686-022-00527-3. Epub 2022 Feb 17.

Abstract

Purpose: Strongyloidiasis is mainly prevalent in developing countries with poor economic and sanitary conditions. The clinical manifestations of Strongyloides stercoralis infection are complex and diverse, lacking specificity, which can easily lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Methods: An elderly male patient, repeated cough and expectoration for 4 years, with exacerbation and dyspnea for 10 days, was admitted to hospital. Sputum culture and smear were taken for examination. Nematode larvae were found under the microscope. Nematodes were also found in feces.

Results: Upon confirmation, the patient was diagnosed with a pulmonary infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. After treatment with albendazole, the symptoms improved, and the patient was discharged.

Conclusion: In this case report, combination of microscopic examination of sputum and alveolar lavage fluid and CT scan were used to quickly identify the cause of the patient, it provides a diagnostic basis and method for clinical treatment.

Keywords: Pulmonary infection; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Feces
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumonia*
  • Strongyloides stercoralis*
  • Strongyloidiasis* / complications
  • Strongyloidiasis* / diagnosis
  • Strongyloidiasis* / drug therapy