Strongyloidiasis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the worm Strongyloides stercoralis. This type of worm is categorized as a parasite and is an organism that lives in the body of a different species and takes nutrients from the organism where it lives.
Although quite rare, strongyloidiasis can also be caused by other types of worms from the Strongyloides family. For example the Strongyloides full-bore worm.
Strongyloidiasis is more common in tropical and subtropical countries. Generally, strongyloidiasis causes no signs or symptoms. Infection from this type of worm can be prevented by maintaining good personal hygiene.
Symptoms
In most cases, strongyloidiasis causes no signs or symptoms. However, some of the types of signs and symptoms that can occur include:
- Pain or burning in the upper abdomen
- Diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Cough
- Red rash
- Red lesions near the anus
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Reason
Strongyloidiasis is caused by a roundworm known as Strongyloides stercoralis. These worms most often infect humans and are generally found in tropical and subtropical countries.
Strongyloidiasis infection follows the worm’s life cycle, which goes through the following stages:
- Small worms penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.
- The worms follow the bloodstream and enter through the right side of the heart into the lungs.
- The worms enter the lungs and up the trachea towards the mouth.
- Worms are swallowed through the mouth unnoticed and enter the stomach.
- Worms enter the small intestine.
- Worms produce eggs which then hatch and become larvae.
- The larvae are excreted from the body through the faeces.
- The larvae can re-infect the body by penetrating the skin around the anus. Or, in some cases, the larvae may develop into adult worms and infect other individuals.
- Apart from being in the human body, this type of worm can also reproduce in the soil.
Several factors are associated with an increased risk of strongyloidiasis infection, most notably:
- Living in a tropical or subtropical country
- Living in rural areas, areas with unhygienic living conditions, or areas with inadequate public health services
- Poor personal hygiene
- The immune system is in a weak condition
Diagnosis
Several tests can be performed to determine the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis infection, namely:
- Duodenal aspiration. This examination involves taking fluid from the beginning of the small intestine. The aim is to examine the possibility of the Strongyloides stercoralis worm using a microscope.
- Sputum culture examination to analyze lung or airway fluid to evaluate for Strongyloides stercoralis worms in the area.
- Examination of stool analysis to see the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis larvae in the feces. This examination can be repeated to get accurate results.
- A complete blood count to help rule out other causes that can cause similar signs and symptoms.
- Examination of blood antigens to check for antigens against Strongyloides stercoralis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment for strongyloidiasis is to eliminate all worms from the body. The treatment of choice to treat this condition is to administer antiparasitic drugs which work by killing worms in the small intestine.
Prevention
Strongyloidiasis infection cannot always be prevented. However, practicing good personal hygiene and using clean facilities can reduce the risk of infection with this type of worm.