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Clinical Features of Acute and Chronic Strongyloidiasis

Description

A patient may have signs and symptoms during the acute or chronic phase of infection with Strongyloides stercoralis, or the infections may be subclinical. The acute infection refers to the findings for the first few weeks after a filariform penetrates the skin or mucous membrane of the new host. After this the patient enters into a chronic phase that may last for several decades.


 

Findings during the acute infection:

(1) local skin reaction at the site of larval penetration

(2) cough and tracheal irritation

(3) diarrhea or constipation

(4) anorexia

(5) abdominal pain

 

Findings during a chronic infection:

(1) intermittent nausea and/or vomiting

(2) intermittent diarrhea or constipation

(3) borborygmus (intestinal rumblings)

(4) abdominal pain or indigestion

(5) anorexia and weight loss

(6) pruritus ani

(7) urticaria

(8) larva currens

(9) cough

(10) dyspnea

(11) recurrent asthma

(12) nephrotic syndrome

 

A person with chronic infection usually is asymptomatic or has mild, intermittent symptoms. More aggressive findings suggest progression to hyperinfection or disseminated infection.

 


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