Fatal disseminated strongyloidiasis in a Vietnam War veteran

Disseminated Strongyloides stercoralis infection was the cause of death in a young immunosuppressed Vietnam War veteran. Large numbers of Americans were exposed to this potentially lethal parasite during the Southeast Asian war. Because of its characteristic autoinfectious cycle, many veterans could unknowingly harbor the parasite. As the age of this veteran population increases and more patients receive immunosuppressive therapies, greater awareness and better diagnostic methods are needed to detect and treat strongyloidiasis before immunosuppressive regimens are instituted. The risk factors and the presently available diagnostic methods are briefly reviewed.