Chronic strongyloidiasis in Vietnam veterans

Chronic Strongyloides stercoralis infections can produce intermittent urticarial skin eruptions and gastrointestinal discomfort for years. Three cases of symptomatic infection acquired by United States military personnel in Vietnam are presented as examples of chronic parasitic disease unrecognized by physicians despite clear histories of geographic exposure, classic creeping skin eruptions, and eosinophilia. More attention needs to be paid to the possible long-term sequela from military service in tropical climates by both military and civilian physicians.