Strongyloidiasis: A Diagnosis to Consider in Previously Endemic Regions in Portugal

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.12960

Keywords:

Portugal, Strongyloidiasis/diagnosis, Strongyloides stercoralis

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasite capable of surviving for decades in a single host, due to its ability of auto-infection. Strongyloidiasis usually presents a chronic and asymptomatic evolution, and isolated eosinophilia, cutaneous or gastrointestinal abnormalities are the most frequent findings. Between the 1910s and 1980s, several cases of autochthonous strongyloidiasis in Portugal have been described. We report the case of a patient with abdominal pain, ascites and marked eosinophilia. The diagnostic investigation excluded frequent causes of eosinophilia. The diagnosis of strongyloidiasis was confirmed by immunoenzymatic positivity of the antibody to Strongyloides stercoralis. Since the patient lived in a region where several cases of strongyloidiasis were diagnosed in the past, and given the absence of previous trips abroad, this is the first case identified in recent decades of autochthonous strongyloidiasis in Portugal. The authors point out the possibility of chronic infection acquired in regions previously considered foci of great endemicity.

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Author Biographies

Joel Pinto, Serviço de Medicina Interna. Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga. Aveiro.

Serviço de Medicina Interna

Paulo Almeida, Serviço de Medicina Interna. Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga. Aveiro.

Serviço de Medicina Interna

Daniela Meireles, Serviço de Medicina Interna. Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga. Aveiro.

Serviço de Medicina Interna

Ana Araújo, Serviço de Medicina Interna. Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga. Aveiro.

Serviço de Medicina Interna

Published

2021-06-30

How to Cite

1.
Pinto J, Almeida P, Meireles D, Araújo A. Strongyloidiasis: A Diagnosis to Consider in Previously Endemic Regions in Portugal. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2021 Jun. 30 [cited 2024 Nov. 22];34(7-8):552-6. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/12960

Issue

Section

Case Report