Two cases of fatal strongyloidiasis in Hong Kong

Pak L. Ho, Wei K. Luk, Alexander C.L. Chan, Kwok Y. Yuen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Two cases of fatal strongyloidiasis associated with diabetes mellitus and malnutrition are reported. The patients presented with repeated vomiting and upper gastrointestinal bleeding respectively. Unusual findings in these two patients included: unexplained peripheral leukocytosis, pulmonary infiltrates, gastric aspirate leukocytosis, progression of gastrointestinal symptoms and concurrent presence of adult worms, eggs, filariform and rhabditiform larvae of Strongyloides stereoralis in alimentary canal specimens. Both patients succumbed while receiving treatment with mebendazole. The present report illustrates that unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms with extensive scratch marks below the umbilicus can be important clues to early diagnosis of the disease. In addition, the various presentations of S. stereoralis infestation are discussed with reference to predisposing factors. Current trends in laboratory diagnosis and therapeutic considerations are also delineated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)324-326
Number of pages3
JournalPathology
Volume29
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1997
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Keywords

  • Fatality
  • Immunocompromised patient
  • Strongyloides stercoralis

Cite this