Strongyloidiasis: A Presentation of an Unusual Case of Adult Malnutrition

Abstract

Malnutrition is a pathological state due to either excess or deficient intake of one or more essential nutrient. It can be undernutrition or overnutrition (obesity). Adult undernutrition is often underestimated and undertreated. There are many causes of undernutrition in adults like poverty, malabsorption syndrome, chronicinfection, immunocompromised state, and worm infestation in adults. This is a case report of immunocompetent adult malnutrition due to worm infestation. Strongyloidiasis is often underestimated due to its subclinical presentation. It may present as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), AGE, and hyperinfection syndrome based on different phases; it acquires in the host. This patient was presented with hyperinfection syndrome and diagnosed with Strongyloides stercoralis infestation by upper gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy and histology and stool examination. Patient was treated with specific antihelminthic and supportive therapy and recovered substantially.