Strongyloides hyperinfection in immune compromised host

Parampalli Subhramanya PRATHIBHA ¹, Pemasari Upali TELISINGHE ¹, Javed NASIR ²

¹ Department of Pathology, RIPAS Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and ² Department of Medicine, PMMPMHAMB Hospital, Tutong, Brunei Darussalam

ABSTRACT

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode that cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms and can persist in the host for long time due to internal autoinfection. In immunocompromised  host the infection can result in overwhelming strongyloidiasis and affect multiple organ systems. We report a case of pulmonary hyperinfection syndrome secondary to Strongyloides stercoralis in an immunocompromised host. The diagnosis was made through examination of sputum specimens which demonstrated filariform larvae. Early diagnosis is essential to reduce the morbidity and mortality and it is important to have high index of suspicion especially in immune compromised host in endemic areas.    

Keywords: Strongyloidiasis, pulmonary hyperinfection, pneumonitis, Strongyloides stercoralis

Correspondence author: PS PRATHIBA. Department of Pathology, RIPAS Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan BA 1710, Brunei Darussalam.

Tel: +673 2242424 Ext 6506,

E mail: prathibaga@yahoo.com

 Brunei Int Med J. 2014; 10 (5): 285-288