Strongyloidiasis

Abstract

Strongyloidiasis is still underdiagnosed in most clinical centres, especially if only a routine stool examination is performed. Because untreated infection can lead to a build up of worms with serious consequences, all cases diagnosed must be treated. This infection is rarer than hookwork infection even though the female Strongyloides are more prolific, and the free-living cycle might be expected to increase the numbers of larvae in the soil. Muller (1975) has suggested two factors to explain this, namely that the first stage larvae in the faeces are not as resistant as hookworm eggs, and also that the Stronglyloides filariform larva has a much shorter life than the equivalent hookworm larva. Life cycle of the strongyloides is described as well as the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation and treatment.