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Updated: May 25, 2026
10:12
Experimental Infection of Mice with the Parasitic Nematode Strongyloides ratti
Published on: January 17, 2025
Imported strongyloidiasis: epidemiology, presentations, and treatment
Dora Buonfrate1, Andrea Angheben, Federico Gobbi
1Centre for Tropical Diseases (CTD), Sacro Cuore Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, Negrar, Verona, Italy, dora.buonfrate@sacrocuore.it.
Current Infectious Disease Reports
|February 11, 2012
Summary
Strongyloidiasis is more common in immigrants than travelers, often presenting as chronic, mild symptoms. Presumptive ivermectin treatment is advised for those with unexplained eosinophilia or compatible symptoms, even with negative tests, due to severe risks of delayed diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
- Parasitology
Background:
- Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection prevalent in endemic areas.
- Immigrants are at higher risk than travelers, though clinical presentations are similar.
- Chronic infection with mild, non-specific symptoms is the most common presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frequency and clinical presentation of strongyloidiasis in immigrants versus travelers.
- To evaluate the utility of presumptive treatment in at-risk populations.
- To highlight the risks associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data.
- Clinical symptom assessment.
- Diagnostic test result review (though not detailed in abstract).
Main Results:
- Strongyloidiasis is significantly more frequent in immigrants compared to travelers.
- Chronic infection with intermittent, mild symptoms is the most common clinical picture in both groups.
- Acute presentations are rare, primarily observed in travelers.
Conclusions:
- Presumptive treatment with ivermectin is recommended for immigrants and travelers with unexplained eosinophilia or compatible symptoms, irrespective of test results.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent life-threatening hyperinfection and dissemination, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
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