Strongyloidiasis

Strongyloidiasis: S. stercoralis infection; also cats/dogs. Chronic asymptomatic usually; hyperinfection/disseminated (extraintestinal) can be fatal.

Common Symptoms

Papulomacular rash; nausea/vomiting; creeping eruption; diarrhea; abdominal distension; sepsis; abdominal pain; constipation; low fever; cyanosis

Causes and Pathogenesis

Two cycles: parasitic (parthenogenetic female only) and free-living (male+female). Parasitic female 2.2-2.5 × 0.03-0.05 mm; esophagus 1/3-2/5 body length; oviposition in crypts → rhabditiform larvae hatch 5-6 h. Free-living adults smaller. Female in duodenum/small intestine (rarely colon/bile/pancreatic/lung/urinary/esophagus). Rhabditiform larvae exit in feces → soil → molt to filariform (infective); skin penetration → blood → lung → trachea → GI. Autoinfection: rhabditiform larvae molt in gut → penetrate mucosa/perianal skin. Hyperinfection in immunosuppressed/steroids = disseminated. Pathology: catarrhal/edematous/ulcerative enteritis; ulcer edges granulomatous/fibrotic.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Fecal sanitation; skin protection; thorough treatment to prevent autoinfection.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.