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Eosinophilia, elevated immunoglobulin E level and chronic enteritis due to intestinal helminthiasis
The American Journal of Medicine
|November 1, 1979
Summary
A 36-year-old man with recurrent symptoms like urticaria and abdominal pain was diagnosed with strongyloidiasis. Diagnosis was based on antibody titers and treatment response, despite negative parasite recovery.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Intestinal parasitic infections can present with diverse gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.
- Helminthiasis, particularly strongyloidiasis, poses diagnostic challenges due to intermittent parasite shedding.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old male presented with recurrent urticaria, abdominal pain, peripheral eosinophilia, and hyperimmunoglobulin E.
- Radiographic imaging revealed abnormalities in the small bowel, prompting investigation for intestinal parasites.
Findings:
- Evidence for helminthiasis included dynamic antibody titers to helminth antigens and a significant clinical improvement after antiparasitic therapy.
- Despite the clinical presentation and serological evidence, helminth larvae or eggs were not identified in stool samples.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering strongyloidiasis in patients with unexplained gastrointestinal and allergic symptoms, even with negative stool examinations.
- Serological testing and therapeutic response are crucial for diagnosing strongyloidiasis when parasitic forms are elusive.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of strongyloidiasis are essential to prevent potential complications.