[Systemic strongyloidiasis. Review]

In Venezuela, Strongyloides stercoralis is an endemic parasite, but scarce information exists about systemic strongyloidiasis, an opportunistic infection that generally occurs in immunosuppressed patients, especially in those with a defect in cell-mediated immunity. The symptomatology of systemic strongyloidiasis is variable. The syndrome is characterized mostly by gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. Paralytic ileus and acute respiratory insufficiency can be prominent. Sepsis and meningitis are frequent. The diagnosis can be made by examination of feces, duodenal or jejunal aspirates and sputum. Larvae can also be identified in peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, lymph nodes, urine specimens and cerebrospinal fluid. Thiabendazole, at standard doses, during at least five to seven days is satisfactory if administered promptly. It is necessary to rule out this parasitoses in patients at risk to avoid fatal outcomes.