Evaluation of Strongyloides stercoralis Cases Reported From Turkey by Pool Analysis Method

Abstract

<strong>Objective</strong>: Strongyloides stercoralis, which is a soil-borne helminth, affects tens of millions of people in the whole world, and may cause life-threatening chronic infections. In this study, the purpose was to examine the data of the reported strongyloidiasis cases in Turkey on age, gender, clinical findings, underlying diseases, diagnostic methods and treatment modalities by using a pooling analysis method. <br> <strong>Material and Method</strong>: Strongyloides stercoralis cases were accessed by reviewing two national electronic databases (ULAKBIM Medical Database and http://www.turkmedline.net/), and three international electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection and Google Scholar). <br> <strong>Results</strong>: In the review a total of 20 cases, 12 of which were national and 8 of which were international, were determined. In this case report, 20 cases that had the strongyloidiasis diagnosis were identified. Six of these patients were female, and 14 were male. The average age was 43.6 (range: 8-82). The most common symptoms determined were: abdominal pain (n=12, 60%); diarrhea (n=8, 40%); nausea/vomiting (n=7, 35%); weight loss (n=5, 25%); cough n=5, 25%); and fever (n=4, 20%). Strongyloidiasis was diagnosed in 11 cases only with a microscopic examination of the stool; and in 2 cases with an histopathological examination. Albendazole stands out in the treatment, generally. <br> <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Since Strongyloides stercoralis may cause life-threatening infections in patients whose immune systems are suppressed, the patients who receive immunosuppressive treatment must be evaluated for the presence of strongyloidiasis. It is predicted that, the resulting data from the analysis of the 20 patients diagnosed with strongyloidiasis, will provide an increased awereness in the clinical setting.