Eosinophilia, elevated immunoglobulin E level and chronic enteritis due to intestinal helminthiasis

Recurrent urticaria, abdominal pain, peripheral eosinophilia, hyperimmunoglobulin E and small bowel abnormalities on roentgenograms prompted evaluation of a 36 year old man for intestinal parasitism. Evidence for helminthiasis as the cause of his symptoms included changing antibody titers to helminth antigens and a dramatic response to therapy. Helminth larvae or eggs were not recovered. Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, the most likely cause of the illness, is discussed.