Strongyloides

Strongyloides is a genus of small nematodes that are parasites in the intestines of their hosts. The most well-known species is Strongyloides stercoralis, which can cause the disease strongyloidiasis in humans.

Life cycle

The life cycle of Strongyloides is complex and involves several stages. The adult female worm lives in the intestine of the host and produces eggs, which are passed out in the feces. These eggs hatch into larvae, which can either develop into free-living adults or infective larvae. The infective larvae can penetrate the skin of a new host, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and then move up the respiratory tract and down the esophagus to reach the intestines.

Disease

Infection with Strongyloides can cause a range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe disease. The most serious form of the disease, known as hyperinfection syndrome, can occur in people with weakened immune systems and can be life-threatening.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of Strongyloides infection is usually made by finding larvae in a stool sample. Treatment typically involves antiparasitic drugs such as ivermectin or albendazole.

Epidemiology

Strongyloides is found worldwide, but is most common in tropical and subtropical regions. It is estimated that up to 100 million people may be infected worldwide.

See also

• Parasitic worms
• Helminthiasis
• Tropical medicine

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