Objective: To study the characteristics of the Strongyloides stercoralis infestation in our area.
Design: A 30-case series. Survey of workplace behaviour and hygienic conditions in the home. Review of clinical histories to check for factors putting subjects at risk of severe self-infection.
Setting: 21,000 inhabitants covered by the Oliva Health Centre.
Patients: All the cases diagnosed between January 1994 and June 1997.
Measurements and interventions: The diagnosis was carried out by observing under the microscope both fresh Strongyloides stercoralis larvae and cultures of three serial faecal samples.
Results: We found 19 men (63.3%) and 11 women (36.7%), with an average age of 65 (SD, 11.5 years). 28 had been born in the area (93.4%). 15 had never travelled abroad (50%). Of the 19 men, 18 (94%) had done agricultural work barefoot, but none of the women. Clinically, 17 (56.6%) had chronic symptoms; cough was the most common, in 12 (40%).
Conclusion: Incidence in our area of Strongyloidiasis, although diagnosed infrequently, has increased considerably with the systematic discarding of the infection in non-attributable cases of Eosinophilia.