Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis or Strongyloides fuelleborni. The more common agent, Stercoralis stercoralis, is a soil-transmitted helminth that can cause severe infection in immunocompromised people.

Etiology Of Strongyloidiasis

Strongyloides stercoralis is a helminth that lives in the soil. This means that contact with soil contaminated with free-living larvae is the primary mode of infection. When the larvae come into contact with skin, they can penetrate it and migrate through the body, eventually reaching the small intestine, where they burrow and lay their eggs. In contrast to other soil-transmitted helminths, such as hookworm and whipworm, whose eggs do not hatch until they are in the environment, S. stercoralis eggs hatch into larvae in the intestine. 

Most of these larvae will be excreted in the stool. Still, some may mature and immediately re-infect the host by burrowing into the intestinal wall or penetrating the skin around the anus. This feature of S. stercoralis is known as auto-infection. The significance of auto-infection is that unless treated for S. stercoralis, people may be infected for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms Of Strongyloidiasis

The vast majority of Strongyloidiasis infections are asymptomatic. Those who do develop symptoms frequently complain of non-specific or generalized symptoms, like,

• Abdominal pain
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Skin rashes near the anus
• Intermittent episodes of diarrhea and constipation
• Dry cough 
• Weight loss
• Vomiting 

Diagnosis Of Strongyloidiasis 

The following tests can be used to diagnose S. stercoralis infection.

Duodenal aspiration: During this test, your doctor will take fluid from the duodenum, the first section of your small intestine.  fluid will then be examined under a microscope for S. stercoralis.

Sputum culture: Your doctor can use a sputum culture to test fluid from your lungs or airways for diagnosing S. stercoralis.

Examine your stool for ova and parasites: Your doctor can test a stool sample for S. stercoralis larvae in the feces. To obtain accurate results, you may need to repeat the test.

CBC and blood antigen test: A CBC with differential can help rule out other possible causes of symptoms. A blood antigen test can assist your doctor in searching for antigens to S. stercoralis. When your healthcare professional suspects you have an infection but cannot find the parasite in a duodenal aspiration or several stool samples, this procedure is used.

Treatment Options For Strongyloidiasis 

Strongyloidiasis is treatable, and there are certain medications available to eliminate the parasite and alleviate symptoms. Strongyloidiasis is typically treated with antiparasitic drugs, supportive care, and monitoring for potential complications.

Antiparasitic medications: Strongyloidiasis is primarily treated with antiparasitic drugs such as ivermectin, albendazole, and thiabendazole. These medications kill the parasite while also preventing it from reproducing. The medication and dosage are determined by the severity of the infection, the patient's age and health status, and other factors. Although these medications are generally well tolerated, they may cause common side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

Ivermectin 12mg tablet consists of the active ingredient Ivermectin. It is indicated to treat infections caused by parasites that belong to the family called nematodes. This medicine does not kill the parasites. Ivermectin 12mg tablet works against infections by paralyzing the infecting organisms. It binds with the chloride channels in the nerves and muscles of the infection-causing organisms and restricts its movement. It arrests the life cycle of the pathogens and prevents the condition from worsening.