Abstract
BackgroundInvestigate the role of latent strongyloidiasis infection in patients at the University Hospital, Honduras.MethodsProspective observational cohort study during 20 non consecutive months from March 2009 to February 2011. Epidemiological and clinical data obtained from patients excreting Strongyloides stercoralis larvae in stool who consulted at the hospital were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThirty five (5 %) of 712 patients had S. stercoralis larvae in one stool sample; 62.8 % came from rural areas and 91.7 % were poor; 68.5 % (24/35) were 21 years old or older. Eight patients (22.8 %) had no predisposing illness; 3 (8.6 %) received steroid treatment, 29/35 (82.8 %) presented with persistent diarrhea and 24/35 (68.5 %) presented following comorbidities: HIV/AIDS (31.4 %), alcoholism alone (11.4 %) or with other associated illness (8.6 %), malignancy (8.6 %), renal failure (5.7 %) and hyperthyroidism (2.8 %). A combination of symptoms suggestive of strongyloidiasis but indistinguishable from those potentially associated to their comorbid condition included severe epigastric pain, diarrhea of weeks duration, peripheral eosinophilia, astenia, adynamia, fever, anemia and weight loss in 85.7 % of the cases, 3 of whom described skin lesions compatible with larva currens. None of the diagnostic clinical impressions mentioned Strongyloides infection. Ten strongyloidiasis patients received partial treatment with albendazole or ivermectin. Incomplete data, underestimation of the parasitic infection and no laboratory follow-up of the patients limited our observations.ConclusionsStrongyloides stercoralis is an unsuspected and neglected parasitic infection by health personnel in Honduras. Lack of awareness of its importance represents a strong barrier to proper treatment and follow-up, posing a threat of possible fatal complications in patients with comorbid conditions.
Highlights
Investigate the role of latent strongyloidiasis infection in patients at the University Hospital, Honduras
Several studies in different selected groups from Honduras were available for review [14]: utilizing the Baermann technique Strongyloides larvae were found in 14.7 % of 88 female sex workers, in 3 % of individuals consulting at a health center, in 13.2 % of children < 10 year old from marginal barrios of Tegucigalpa, and in 23.5 % of 79 AIDS patients at a hospital in the north coast of Honduras
The direct method identified 25 individuals, eight samples were positive for Baermann and a total of eight positives were found by the Koga method, of which 4 had been recovered in the Baermann sediment for a total of 35 Strongyloides infections
Summary
Investigate the role of latent strongyloidiasis infection in patients at the University Hospital, Honduras. A study conducted in the United States found that 46 % of 462 Sudanese and 23 % of 100 Somali Bantu refugees were infected with S. stercoralis [8]. This highlights potential hazards in the transportation of this parasite across borders in the current climate of mass population movements [9]. Several studies in different selected groups from Honduras were available for review [14]: utilizing the Baermann technique Strongyloides larvae were found in 14.7 % of 88 female sex workers, in 3 % of individuals consulting at a health center, in 13.2 % of children < 10 year old from marginal barrios of Tegucigalpa, and in 23.5 % of 79 AIDS patients at a hospital in the north coast of Honduras. Higher percentages of infection were recognized in institutionalized individuals, both children (25.3 % of 99 participants) and adults (25 % of 74 individuals)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
