Strongyloides hyperinfection presenting as acute respiratory failure and gram-negative sepsis.
OBJECTIVE
Disseminated strongyloides is a rarely reported phenomenon and occurs in immunosuppressed patients with chronic Strongyloides stercoralis infection. Typically, patients present with pulmonary symptoms but subsequently acquire Gram-negative sepsis. Several cases have been noted in Minnesota, and their presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and clinical outcomes were reviewed.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was conducted of complicated strongyloides infections from 1993 to 2002 in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Cases were identified by reviewing hospital microbiology databases.


METHODS
Metropolitan hospitals with large immigrant populations.


RESULTS
Nine patients, all of Southeast Asian heritage, were identified. Eight patients immigrated to the United States > or = 3 years prior to acute presentation. All patients were receiving antecedent corticosteroids; in five patients, therapy was for presumed asthma. Absolute eosinophil counts > 500/microL occurred in only two patients prior to steroid initiation. Eight patients presented with respiratory distress, and Gram-negative sepsis developed in four patients. Four patients had evidence of right-heart strain on ECG or echocardiography at the time of presentation. Three patients died; all had eosinophil counts of < 400/microL.


CONCLUSIONS
Serious complications, including death, may occur in patients with chronic strongyloides infection treated with corticosteroids. Strongyloides hyperinfection usually presents as acute respiratory failure and may initially mimic an asthma exacerbation or pulmonary embolism. Southeast Asian patients presenting with new-onset "asthma," acute respiratory distress, and/or Gram-negative sepsis should undergo evaluation to exclude strongyloides infection.
Newberry
Ashley M
AM
Department of Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, USA.
Williams
David N
DN
Stauffer
William M
WM
Boulware
David R
DR
Hendel-Paterson
Brett R
BR
Walker
Patricia F
PF
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D004804:Eosinophils; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology*; D017171:Strongyloides stercoralis; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*