Duodenal Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a 56-year old male: A case report

Introduction and importance

The infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis (S stercoralis) is usually an asymptomatic condition particularly in immunocompetent individuals and the condition may remain unnoticed even for decades, however, strongyloidiasis is more severe in patients who are immunocompromised.

Case presentation

The patient is a 56-year old male who presented with nine months history of episodes of abdominal pain, nausea loss of appetite, and chronic diarrhea. His diarrhea had mucus and trace blood. His oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) revealed erythematous, hypertrophied, and ulcerating lining mucosa of the duodenum. The specimen sampled showed sections of the duodenum with numerous Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, some inside the crypts with associated active duodenitis.

Clinical discussion

Despite the asymptomatic nature of Strongyloides stercoralis infectious condition especially for immunocompetent patients, the infection may sometimes result into serious complications including exudative enteropathy and paralytic ileus. The clinical outcome of patients with strongyloidiasis is usually better despite severe infection may develop and it is associated with slightly increased morbidity and even mortality.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in individuals residing in tropical or subtropical countries who present with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain should always be considered so as to avoid delay of diagnosis. This may help in preventing unnecessary complication such as severe anaemia, intestinal perforation or even death.