[Strongyloidiasis under immunosuppressive therapy]

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease of tropical regions and to some extent of the South of Europe. In immunocompromised patients, particularly under steroid medication, infestation by this nematode may sometimes lead to life-threatening hyper-infestation. Diagnosis is often difficult because of a polymorphic clinical picture and usually low larvae excretion in the stool. The case is reported of a Yugoslavian patient who under corticosteroid therapy suffered from severe diarrhea and dehydration due to hyperinfestation by nematode larvae. Several attempts at treatment were necessary to eradicate the infestation.