Dissemination of strongyloides stercoralis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus after initiation of albendazole: A case report

Catherine J. Hunter*, Mikael Petrosyan, Morris Asch

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Strongyloides stercoralis infection affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. As immigration rates and international travel increase, so does the number of cases of strongyloidiasis in the United States. Although described both in immigrant and in immunosuppressed populations, hyperinfection and dissemination of S. stercoralis following the initiation of antiparasitic medication is a previously unreported phenomenon. Case presentation: Here we describe the case of a 38-year-old immunocompromised woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, who developed disseminated disease following treatment with albendazole (400 mg every 12 hours). Notably the patient was receiving oral prednisone (10 mg once daily), azathioprine (50 mg twice daily), and hydroxychloroquine (400 mg daily) at the time of hospitalization. The patient was subsequently treated successfully with ivermectin (200 mcg/kg daily). Conclusion: The reader should be aware that dissemination of S. stercoralis can occur even after the initiation of antiparasitic medication.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number156
JournalJournal of Medical Case Reports
Volume2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 14 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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