CHRONIC STRONGYLOIDIASIS – A CLINICAL CASE

Abstract

Introduction. Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the duodenum, and has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe disseminated disease involving the lungs, central nervous system, kidneys, heart, skin, and joints. Due to intermittent larval shedding, low parasite burden, nonspecific symptoms, and diagnostic difficulties, establishing the diagnosis can be challenging.

Case report. We present the case of a female patient with chronic strongyloidiasis. The patient did not belong to any of the high-risk groups for this infection. In the 1980s, she had been diagnosed with strongyloidiasis during a routine check-up. As she had no apparent health problems, no specific treatment was initiated. In March 2025, the infectious diseases specialist ordered a parasitological examination, prompted by persistent eosinophilia over many years. Stool parasitological examination (Baermann method) revealed the presence of rhabditoid larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. The patient was given antiparasitic treatment with Albendazole according to the following regimen: 400 mg twice daily for 7 days. The follow-up parasitological examination was negative. Following treatment, the episodes of urticaria resolved.

Conclusions. The case described illustrates chronic strongyloidiasis associated with persistent eosinophilia. Strongyloidiasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of persistent eosinophilia, including in non-endemic countries.