Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection after corticosteroid therapy: a report of two cases.
Two cases of Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection are described. Both patients were expatriates from the Indian subcontinent, and reported the use of corticosteroids. The first patient presented with severe pulmonary disease that necessitated respiratory support, followed by acute abdomen and intestinal obstruction and he succumbed to these diseases. The second patient also presented with acute pulmonary disease, which responded to antihelmintic treatment and supportive care; however, he died later due to his primary disease. The clinical features of S stercoralis hyperinfection are nonspecific; therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and to start appropriate therapy. Because of the seriousness of the disease and the associated high mortality we suggest screening for S stercoralis in patients from endemic areas who will be taking immunosuppressive therapy.
Al Maslamani
Mona A
MA
Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Al Soub
Hussam A
HA
Al Khal
Abdel Latif M
AL
Al Bozom
Issam A
IA
Abu Khattab
Mohammed J
MJ
Chacko
Kadavil C
KC
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D017171:Strongyloides stercoralis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
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