Fatal outcome of a hyperinfection syndrome despite successful eradication of Strongyloides with subcutaneous ivermectin

Infection. 2005 Oct;33(5-6):383-6. doi: 10.1007/s15010-005-5060-x.

Abstract

We report the case of a 77-year-old man who developed a Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome following immunosuppressive therapy more than 60 years after he moved away from an area endemic for Strongyloides stercoralis. Successful eradication of the nematode was achieved with an off label subcutaneous formulation of ivermectin. However, the patient subsequently died from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite a high wormload in the stool and sputum of the patient and delayed infection control measures in the hospital, testing of the medical staff revealed a very low risk of Strongyloides transmission among healthcare workers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Antinematodal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antinematodal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Ivermectin / administration & dosage*
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome
  • Sputum / parasitology
  • Strongyloides stercoralis / isolation & purification
  • Strongyloidiasis / complications*
  • Strongyloidiasis / drug therapy*
  • Strongyloidiasis / pathology

Substances

  • Antinematodal Agents
  • Ivermectin