Disseminated Strongyloides stercoralis infection mimicking pneumonia

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode. In an immunocompetent host, Strongyloides infections usually produce only mild gastrointestinal symptoms. However, in an immunocompromised host, widespread dissemination of larvae to the extra-intestinal organs may occur. If unrecognized, the mortality rate is high. Here we report a case of disseminated strongyloidiasis in a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subject whose chest radiograph demonstrated multiple pneumonic patches and interstitial infiltrates. Strongyloides larvae were found in stool, sputum, and urine, and embryonated eggs were also found in sputum. The patient was treated successfully with mebendazole and alben albendazole. In conclusion, although high mortality rate is noted in disseminated strongyloidiasis, it is still a curable disease when early diagnosis and treatment could be made.