Brain stem glioma complicated by Strongyloides stercoralis

The simultaneous occurrence of brain stem glioma and disseminated Strongyloides stercoralis infestation in an Ecuadorian male is reported. The unusual finding of Strongyloides larvae in the potassium hydroxide preparation for fungi and in the Gram stain for bacteria from a sputum during hemoptysis fortuitously established the diagnosis of disseminated strongyloidiasis. Of interest was the demonstration of various stages of Strongyloides in the sputum during treatment. Strongyloides infestation must be assiduously searched for in susceptible patients who are, or who are to be, immunosuppressed.