Disseminated strongyloidiasis in a child with lymphoblastic lymphoma.
OBJECTIVE
This report describes a case of disseminated strongyloidiasis in a child receiving chemotherapy for T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.


METHODS
A 10-year-old boy became severely ill with disseminated strongyloidiasis 4 weeks after starting chemotherapy for T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. He responded to treatment with supportive care, antibiotics, and albendazole but required ivermectin to eradicate the strongyloides infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Disseminated strongyloidiasis is a severe, life-threatening complication of Strongyloides stercoralis infection that can occur in patients on immunosuppressive therapy, particularly when this therapy includes corticosteriods. In endemic areas, screening patients due to undergo immunosuppressive treatment and appropriate antistrongyloides treatment may be life saving. Ivermectin is the treatment of choice.
Daubenton
J D
JD
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, South Africa.
Buys
H A
HA
Hartley
P S
PS
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000150:complications / Q000469:parasitology*; D008297:Male; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*