obsolete intestinal strongyloidiasis

What is Strongyloidiasis?

Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. This disease has been a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical regions. The infection occurs through contact with contaminated soil, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of Strongyloidiasis

The symptoms of strongyloidiasis can include:

• Abdominal pain (upper abdomen)
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Red hive-like areas near the anus
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Fever

These symptoms are not specific to strongyloidiasis and can be caused by other conditions as well. However, in the context of strongyloidiasis, these symptoms can indicate an intestinal infection.

Prevalence and Distribution

Strongyloidiasis is a widespread helminth infection that affects millions of people worldwide. It is more common in tropical regions, where the parasite is prevalent in soil. According to estimates, 30-100 million people are affected by strongyloidiasis globally [8].

Neglected Tropical Disease

Strongyloidiasis has been considered a neglected tropical disease due to its low parasitic load and uncertain diagnosis. This has led to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the disease, making it a significant public health concern [1].

References:

[1] S Puthiyakunnon (2014) - Strongyloidiasis is considered a neglected tropical disease and is probably an underdiagnosed parasitic disease due to its low parasitic load and uncertain diagnosis. [8] R Yang (2024) - Strongyloides stercoralis is an important soil-transmitted helminth occurring world-wide and affecting 30–100 million people. [9] Dec 4, 2022 - Abdominal pain (upper abdomen), Cough, Diarrhea, Rash, Red hive-like areas near the anus, Vomiting, Weight loss, Fever.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Obsolete intestinal strongyloidiasis, also known as strongyloidiasis, can manifest in various ways. The following are some common signs and symptoms:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms: These include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, soft feces, general malaise, and weight loss [4].
• Upper GI endoscopy findings: Non-specific findings such as gastric fold enlargement, mucosal edema, and erythema, sub-epithelial hemorrhages, and ulcers have been reported in some cases [5].
• Systemic symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, total body pain, anemia, and hemoptysis are also associated with strongyloidiasis [1].

Other Symptoms

In addition to the above, other symptoms that may be present include:

• Recent significant inappetence
• Weight loss
• Consecutive hypoalbuminemia
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Vomiting

These symptoms can vary depending on the stage and severity of the infection.

References:

[1] by S Puthiyakunnon · 2014 - Major complaints are fever, abdominal pain and distension, weight loss, vomiting, cough, anemia, and hemoptysis [41].

[4] by A Saito · 1995 - Although they are not specific to strongyloidiasis, these symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, soft feces, general malaise and weight loss.

[5] by AK Mantri · 2019 - Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings in Strongyloidiasis are non-specific and include gastric fold enlargement, mucosal edema and erythema, sub-epithelial hemorrhages, and ulcers.

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Intestinal Strongyloidiasis

Obtaining a definitive diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, particularly the intestinal form, can be challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms and the fact that it is often asymptomatic. However, several diagnostic tests have been employed in the past to confirm the presence of this parasitic infection.

• Direct Smear Examination: This traditional method involves examining a stool sample under a microscope for the presence of larvae or eggs. While still used in some cases, its sensitivity and specificity are limited.
  • [1] Direct smear examination of stool in saline and Lugol's iodine stain has been used to discern larvae in stool and is performed as a definitive diagnostic test.
  • [6] Other methods of diagnosis include Baermann

Treatment Options for Intestinal Strongyloidiasis

Intestinal strongyloidiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the Strongyloides stercoralis worm, was once a significant public health concern. While it is still present in some parts of the world, its incidence has declined significantly due to improvements in sanitation and hygiene.

Traditional Treatment Options

Historically, treatment for intestinal strongyloidiasis involved various medications, including:

• Ivermectin: The preferred treatment for intestinal strongyloidiasis is oral ivermectin [1]. Ivermectin has been shown to be effective in treating the infection and preventing its spread.
• Albendazole: Both ivermectin and albendazole have been used for intestinal strongyloidiasis without hyperinfection or dissemination [9].
• Other medications: In some cases, other medications such as metronidazole and tinidazole may be

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Intestinal Strongyloidiasis

Obtaining a differential diagnosis for obsolete intestinal strongyloidiasis involves considering various conditions that may present with similar symptoms and characteristics. Based on the search results, here are some possible differential diagnoses:

• Crohn's disease: This is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause chronic inflammation in any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It often presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue [8].
• Lymphoma: Gastrointestinal lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the immune system. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits [4].
• Tuberculosis: This bacterial infection can affect any part of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever [8].
• Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: This is a rare condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to an overabundance of eosinophils. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits [11].
• Celiac sprue: This is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to damage in the small intestine. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue [13].

It's essential to note that these conditions can have overlapping symptoms with intestinal strongyloidiasis, making differential diagnosis challenging. A thorough medical evaluation, including laboratory tests and imaging studies, is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis.

References:

[4] - Suggests lymphoma as a possible differential diagnosis for gastrointestinal symptoms. [8] - Lists Crohn's disease, lymphoma, tuberculosis, and other conditions as potential differential diagnoses for intestinal strongyloidiasis. [11] - Mentions eosinophilic gastroenteritis as a rare condition that may present with similar symptoms to intestinal strongyloidiasis. [13] - Suggests celiac sprue as another possible differential diagnosis for gastrointestinal symptoms.