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Fulminating strongyloidiasis complicating Indian kala-azar
Tropical and Geographical Medicine
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Strongyloides stercoralis infection can be severe in kala-azar patients, presenting with gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. Albendazole treatment effectively cleared the infection and improved patient condition.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Strongyloides stercoralis infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals.
- Immunocompromised patients are at higher risk for severe, invasive strongyloidiasis.
- Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) is an immunocompromising condition.
Observation:
- Three kala-azar patients presented with severe strongyloidiasis.
- Symptoms included bloody diarrhea, dehydration, cough, and dyspnea.
- Low peripheral blood eosinophil counts and S. stercoralis larvae in stool were noted.
- Pulmonary infiltrates were present on radiography, but larvae were absent in sputum.
Findings:
- Albendazole treatment led to rapid parasite clearance from stool.
- Pulmonary infiltrates resolved following albendazole therapy.
- Blood eosinophil counts increased after treatment.
Implications:
- Strongyloides stercoralis infection should be suspected and treated in kala-azar patients.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing severe strongyloidiasis in this population.
- Albendazole is an effective treatment for severe strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised hosts.