A case of strongyloidiasis with severe malnutrition.
- Author:
Yong Wuk KIM
1
;
Eun Jin KANG
;
Sa Ra LEE
;
Tak Yong KIM
;
Soo Chan BAE
;
Jung Ho PARK
;
Hee Ug PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Maryknoll hospital, Busan, Korea. drhwpark@hananet.net
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Strongyloidiasis;
Malnutrition
- MeSH:
Acceleration;
Asthma;
Climate;
Diabetes Mellitus;
Family Characteristics;
Humans;
Larva;
Malnutrition*;
Strongyloides stercoralis;
Strongyloidiasis*
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2003;65(Suppl 3):S921-S925
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Strongyloides stercoralis, which has two different generations: the free living and parasitic generation, is primarily adapted to warm climates, but strongyloidiasis has been reported sporadically in temperate and cold regions. Strongyloidiasis may be asymptomatic in almost 50 percent of the cases, rarely, infestation presents with severe clinical pictures. The reason for this exacerbation of illness is probably a rapid increase in the number of infecting larvas through the development or acceleration of a cycle of autoinfection. A breakdown of the host-parasite equilibrium due to decreased host resistance may occur in malnutrition, debilitating diseases or therapy with immunosuppressive drugs. Corticosteroid treatment may have an important role in the sudden occurrence of severe stongyloidiasis. We experienced a case of strongyloidiasis with severe malnutrition, accompanied with bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus. This patient has been treated with corticosteroid for several years. So, we report this rare case with the literature review.
