Strongyloidiasis: A Neglected Tropical Disease

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is a unique soil transmitted helminth, which through autoinfection,can sustain chronic asymptomatic infections for decades. New diagnostic approaches through serology and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs)with superior sensitivity compared with stool microscopy are becoming more available forcase management. In transplant candidates and subjects receiving immunosuppressive drugs (mainly corticosteroids),strongyloidiasis should be considered and treated promptly. Hyperinfection is a medical emergency with high mortality that requires prompt treatmentinitiation. Ivermectin is the treatment of choice for all clinical forms of strongyloidiasis, which shouldbe treated even in asymptomatic cases.