A Serious Pulmonary Infection Disseminated Strongyloidiasis in a Patient with Nephrotic Syndrome

Introduction

Strongyloidiasis is a potentially fatal parasitic infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, affecting an estimated 300-400 million people worldwide. This case highlights the severe consequences of an undiagnosed Strongyloides stercoralis infection in an immunosuppressed patient with nephrotic syndrome.

Visit https://www.hspioa.org/ for more groundbreaking research in this field.

A Rare but Lethal Infection

A 66-year-old male patient with a history of nephrotic syndrome, hypertension, and gout was admitted with persistent pulmonary symptoms, including blood-tinged sputum, fatigue, and weight loss. Despite initial treatment with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide, his condition deteriorated. Routine sputum analysis revealed the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, confirming disseminated strongyloidiasis.

Clinical Findings and Disease Progression

• Key Symptoms: Cough, hemoptysis, fatigue, abdominal distension, weight loss.
• Laboratory Findings: Elevated C-reactive protein (110 mg/L), high white blood cell count (11.34 ×10⁹/L), and an extremely low eosinophil count (0.1%).
• Imaging Results: Chest X-rays demonstrated diffuse alveolar infiltrates, suggesting acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• Treatment Outcome: Despite aggressive antiparasitic therapy with albendazole and ivermectin, the patient succumbed to respiratory failure within five days of diagnosis.

Implications for Immunocompromised Patients

This case underscores the importance of early detection of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) emphasizes the importance of ensuring prompt and accurate imaging diagnostics to detect opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients.

Recommendations for Early Diagnosis

• Routine screening for Strongyloides stercoralis in high-risk patients.
• Consideration of parasitic infections when persistent pulmonary symptoms occur post-immunosuppressive therapy.
• Early implementation of antiparasitic treatment to prevent severe complications.

A detailed analysis can be found in our main journal article.

Conclusion

Strongyloidiasis remains an underdiagnosed yet severe infection, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Increased awareness, routine screening, and prompt intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Explore more studies at https://www.hspioa.org/ and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering this article and its contents as a reference.Any mishaps or grievances raised due to the reusing of this material will not be handled by the author of this article.