Gastric strongyloidiasis

Involvement of the gastric antral mucosa by Strongyloides stercoralis is reported in a 55-year-old female with adult onset diabetes mellitus. Her symptoms were dyspepsia and non-specific epigastric pain. Observation of the larvae of this parasitic helminth in sites other than the small intestinal mucosa has been previously reported in disseminated forms, in patients with underlying disabling disease or immunosuppression. Few reports are available on the infestation of the gastric mucosa. Involvement of this anatomic site may be attributed to achlorhydria and/or her diabetes mellitus. It is concluded that S. stercoralis infection should be considered as a potential cause of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in tropical and sub-tropical areas