Strongyloidiasis in a newly diagnosed patient living with HIV – A case report

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis has a unique free-living stage in addition to the parasitic life cycle causing dissemination and hyperinfection syndrome. Clinical manifestations ranges from asymptomatic presentation in the immunocompetent host to disseminated disease and even septic shock in immunocompromised host. The non-specific presentation, risk factors, and complications of strongyloidiasis often require multiple tests for screening and diagnosis to increase the sensitivity of the tests. Here, we present a case report of a newly diagnosed patient of HIV with overlapping symptoms of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract involvement who was treated successfully. This emphasizes the need for strong clinical suspicion and screening of patients with the risk factors of strongyloidiasis.