Strongyloidiasis in Sfax (Tunisia): a survey over 13 years period

A retrospective study of strongyloidiasis cases was carried out in Sfax University (Tunisia), between 1989 and June 2001. Diagnosis was done by direct stool examination, concentration methods, Baermann larval extraction and fecal culture. Strongyloidiasis was diagnosed in 27 patients of whom 77% were males living in rural areas under low socioeconomic level. Mean age of patients was 47 years (8 to 85 years). Hypereosinophilia was present in 75 % of cases, and 7 patients were treated by systemic corticosteroids. So, it is important to detect this parasite by repeated parasitological stool examinations, particularly before a long corticosteroid treatment.