Opportunistic strongyloidiasis in renal transplant recipients

Eight patients with severe strongyloidiasis complicating renal transplantation are reported. Twenty-one additional cases from the English-language literature are reviewed. In this setting, systemic strongyloidiasis is an often baffling illness involving multiple organ systems that is frequently complicated by serious bacterial infection. Bacteremia, meningitis, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia resulting from enteric organisms are common. In order to make the diagnosis, larvae must be sought by direct microscopy of stool, upper intestinal fluid, sputum, urine, or biopsy specimens. Treatment with oral thiabendazole in prolonged or repeated courses is recommended. Effective parenteral therapy is not available. Following treatment, previously parasitized patients must be tested at regular intervals to detect therapeutic failure or reinfection. Screening of patients awaiting renal transplantation for chronic intestinal strongyloidiasis is suggested. Improvement of the observed 52% mortality will depend upon heightened awareness by physicians caring for renal transplant candidates, and upon improved therapeutic regimens.