The relation between immunocompromised status and Strongyloides stercoralis infection: case-control study

Strongyloides stercoralis infection is caused by intestinal nematodes in the human body, which in immunocompromised individual, may cause severe morbidity and fatality. This study aimed to reveal the current prevalence of S. stercoralis infection among the stool samples sent to Parasitology Laboratory FMUI and identify its association with the status of immunocompromised. A case-control study with consecutive sampling method was, conducted between March-June 2013. Subjects were the patients of hospitals/laboratory who sent their stool samples to the Parasitology laboratory of FMUI. All stools were examined through direct examination, followed by Harada-mori culture. The immune status of the patients was identified through their medical records. The total number of stools collected was 170 consisted of 108 males and 62 females. The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 80 years old (average 33.41±22.65 years); 18.2% (31/170) was immunocompromised and 81.8% (139/170) was immunocompetent. A total of 18/170 (10.6%) stools were positive of S. stercoralis larvae; 6 stools (19.4%, 6/31) were from the immunocompromised and 12 stools (8.6%, 12/139) originated from the immunocompetent. The result suggested that immunocompromised status has a positive relation towards S. stercoralis infection. Results from this study could serve as input for clinicians for better management of cases with diarrhoea, especially among the immunocompromised.