Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis), an intestinal nematode, is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, being less prevalent in temperate climates. The number of infected persons worldwide ranges between 10 million and 100 million people. In Brazil the reported prevalence is 13%. Chronic infection may be asymptomatic or accompanied by gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. Under immunosuppressive conditions, the infection assumes serious proportions frequently accompanied by septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and respiratory distress syndrome. The authors report a case of a 50-year-old female patient who was a chronic user of glucocorticoids and had been seeking medical attention for two months because of continuous gastrointestinal symptoms. She was admitted to the emergency room with clinical signs of septic shock and died after four days despite an adequate antibiotic regimen, vasopressor drugs, and ventilatory support. The autopsy revealed the unsuspected finding of S. stercoralis hyperinfection and septicemia.
Highlights
Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis), an intestinal nematode, is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, being less prevalent in temperate climates
A 50-year-old female patient, coming from the rural area of a Brazilian northeastern state, sought emergency care complaining of severe lower abdominal pain irradiating to the lumbar region, nausea, vomiting, fever, and constipation during the last five days
The patient was referred to the intensive care unit (ICU)
Summary
A 50-year-old female patient, coming from the rural area of a Brazilian northeastern state, sought emergency care complaining of severe lower abdominal pain irradiating to the lumbar region, nausea, vomiting, fever, and constipation during the last five days. She referred a two-month history of less severe generalized abdominal pain and diarrhea, having sought medical treatment in her neighborhood without any improvement. The patient remained hemodynamically unstable throughout her stay in the ICU, requiring continuous administration of norepinephrine and vasopressin Her initial clinical presentation did not change despite all therapeutic efforts.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
