[30 cases of strongyloidiasis at a primary care center: characteristics and possible complications]

To study the characteristics of the Strongyloides stercoralis infestation in our area.

A 30-case series. Survey of workplace behaviour and hygienic conditions in the home. Review of clinical histories to check for factors putting subjects at risk of severe self-infection.

21,000 inhabitants covered by the Oliva Health Centre.

All the cases diagnosed between January 1994 and June 1997.

The diagnosis was carried out by observing under the microscope both fresh Strongyloides stercoralis larvae and cultures of three serial faecal samples.

We found 19 men (63.3%) and 11 women (36.7%), with an average age of 65 (SD, 11.5 years). 28 had been born in the area (93.4%). 15 had never travelled abroad (50%). Of the 19 men, 18 (94%) had done agricultural work barefoot, but none of the women. Clinically, 17 (56.6%) had chronic symptoms; cough was the most common, in 12 (40%).

Incidence in our area of Strongyloidiasis, although diagnosed infrequently, has increased considerably with the systematic discarding of the infection in non-attributable cases of Eosinophilia.