Pulmonary Strongyloides stercoralis infection

• Main Authors: Canan Dogan, Mine Gayaf, Ayse Ozsoz, Birsen Sahin, Nimet Aksel, Isil Karasu, Zekiye Aydogdu, Nevin Turgay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2014-01-01
• Series: Respiratory Medicine Case Reports
• Subjects: Strongyloides stercoralis; Pulmonary infection; Miliary involvement; Immunocompetent
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213007113000427

The 17-year-old male patient presented with fever, weakness, dyspnea and weight loss. His chest radiography demonstrated diffuse reticulonodular density, and high-resolution lung tomography indicated diffuse micronodules and prevalent ground-glass pattern. The findings were consistent with miliary involvement. The patient underwent examinations for rheumatology, immunology, cytology and infectious conditions. His immune system was normal and had no comorbidities or any history of immunosuppressive treatment. Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were noted upon direct inspection of the feces. Clinical and radiological improvement was achieved with albendazole 400 mg/day. This case is being presented since miliary involvement in the lungs caused by S. stercoralis infection in an individual with intact immune system is rare and difficult to diagnosis.