Case report: Rectal adminstration of ivermectin to a patient with Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome

Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome may be complicated by paralytic ileus that interferes with the absorption of oral anti-helminthics. We report on the administration of ivermectin as a rectal enema preparation to a renal transplant recipient with Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and progressive ileus. Attempts at treatment using nasogastric albendazole and ivermectin were unsuccessful despite clamping the nasogastric tube after drug administration. Ivermectin tablets were ground to a powder, resuspended in a commercially available suspending agent, and administered per rectum. The suspending agent was chosen for its near-physiologic osmolality to allow longer retention, in contrast to many enema preparations that have a laxative effect. The patient improved markedly within 72 hours of initiation of the therapy per rectum and recovered fully. Ivermectin administered as an enema may be beneficial in patients with severe strongyloidiasis who are unable to absorb or tolerate oral therapy.