Strongyloidiasis in Sfax [Tunisia]: a survey over 13 years period

A retrospective study of strongyloidiasis cases was carried out in Sfax University [Tunisia], between 1989 and June 2001. Diagnosis was done by direct stool examination, concentration methods, Baermann larval extraction and fecal culture strongyloidiasis was diagnosed in 27 patients, of whom 77% were males living in rural areas under a low socioeconomic level. The mean age of the patients was 47 years [8-85 years]. Hyperesinophilia was present in 75% of the cases and 7 patients were treated by systemic corticosteroids. So, it is important to detect this parasite by repeated parasitological stool examinations, particularly before a long corticosteroid treatment