A case of hyperinfection with Strongyloides stercoralis in terminal stomach cancer / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode which infects a large portion of the world's population especially in tropical areas and other hot, humid regions. Because of an opportunistic nature of the parasite, the infection is confined to the intestinal tract in immunocompetent hosts. But, in individuals having immunocompromised state, the parasite is augmented by autoinfection, resulting in hyperinfection and/or systemic dissemination. In Korea, several cases of strongyloides hyperinfection were reported since 1959, especially who had corticosteroid therapy and other immunosuppressive medications. We experienced a case of strongyloides hyperinfection, accompanied with terminal stage of stomach cancer. The patient responded to treatment with albendazole. After one month later, repeated follow-up stool exam revealed clearance of the larvae from the patient' feces. So, we report this case with the literature.