| Abstract: |
Strongyloides stercoralis can cause life-threatening disseminated disease in the immunocompromised host. Disseminated strongyloidiasis mya extend beyond the gastrointestinal tract to involve the lungs, liver, and central nervous system, and it is frequently associated with invasive bacterial infections. Among patients with cancer, it has been encountered most frequently in those with leukemia or lymphoma and in those receiving systemic corticosteorids. If patients live in areas in which Strongyloides is endemic, clinicians should screen for this parasite before considering immunosuppressive therapy. A high index of suspicion and prompt initiation of antihelminthic therapy is necessary to control this otherwise fatal infection. |
