STRONGYLOIDES STERCORALIS: A RARE CASE DIAGNOSED WITH ESOPHAGEAL SWAB SAMPLE

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is an opportunistic parasite that may cause severe and fatal disease in immunocompromised hosts. A 70-year-old man with a nonspecific history except pneumoconiosis had diffuse ulcers on the esophagus. Hence, only a swab sample could be performed. On microscopic examination of the swab sample, larvae and soils were observed in necrotic and inflammatory background. It was evaluated as compatible with S. stercoralis. At repeated endoscopic examination multiple biopsies were taken from the stomach. Larvae and soils were detected in crypt lumens with chronic inflammation in gastric mucosa. We presented this case with gastric involvement as a rare presentation that has not been reported in the literature before and was diagnosed by esophageal swab sample. Although infection is usually asymptomatic in the chronic phase, it carries a high mortality risk in immunocompromised hosts. So, it is important to scan the risk group. Swab sampling is an easy method for cytological examination.