An Unusual Presentation of Duodenal Strongyloides stercoralis Enteritis Ulcerative Colitis Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease, which is more prevalent in tropical regions of the world. It is usually found in a chronic and limited disease form yet in some immunocompromised patients, it may become a life - threatening disease. Case Presentation: A 55 - year - old female, who was a known case for ulcerative colitis, referred to the hospital with nausea and vomiting. The patient was diagnosed with Strongyloidiasis due to Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, detected in the stool examination test and the biopsy specimens taken from the duodenum. The patient received subcutaneous ivermectin and reached a complete recovery. Conclusions: Strongyloides stercoralis often causes chronic and clinically asymptomatic infection; parasite number can increase substantially in the immunocompromised host, leading to hyperinfection, dissemination, and death if unrecognized. It is noteworthy to mention that screening for Strongyloides infection before the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy should be considered, particularly in endemic areas.