[Severe anguilluliasis in a chronic haemodialysis patient]

Abstract

Introduction: Strongyloidiasis can result in severe forms in immunodepressed patients or those treated with prolonged corticosteroids.

Observation: A 59 year-old woman suffering from chronic kidney failure, treated for the past year by haemodialysis, was hospitalized for alteration in her general status of health and severe digestive problems. Three parasitological examinations of the faeces revealed the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, although she had never spent time in the Tropics. The outcome was rapidly good following treatment with thiabendazole.

Discussion: Some severe forms of strongyloidiasis occurring in immunodepressed or chronic dialysed patients can be fatal in the absence of early management.