title: Strongyloides stercoralis in routine Papanicolaou-stained sputum smears.
abstract: Three cases are reported in which the initial detection of unsuspected Strongyloides stercoralis infestation was made on Papanicolaou-stained smears of sputum submitted for routine cytopathology. All cases were subsequently confirmed by the examination of stool specimens. A common factor in the three cases was long-term treatment with corticosteroids for chronic respiratory disease. All three patients responded to treatment with antihelminthics. The significance of this parasite is discussed, and its appearance in Papanicolaou-stained smears is described and illustrated.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D013183:Sputum / Q000469:parasitology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013321:Strongyloides / Q000166:cytology*; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000469:parasitology*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones