Persistent eosinophilia among 21 historic cases of Strongyloides stercoralis infection: a case for routine follow-up and repeat treatment

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2020 Feb 7;114(2):137-139. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trz085.

Abstract

Background: Strongyloidasis affects more than 100 million people worldwide and causes persisting infection.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 21 cases of parasitologically confirmed Strongyloides stercoralis infection at our centre.

Results: We found four individuals who had eosinophilia (>0.5x109/litre) more than 6 mo after treatment.

Conclusions: This may represent ongoing or relapsed infection. Our data support the need for continued follow-up of treated individuals, particularly those with abnormal host defences who are at risk of severe forms of the disease.

Keywords: Strongyloides stercoralis; chronic infection; eosinophilia; ivermectin; relapse; treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eosinophilia / parasitology*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Strongyloides stercoralis
  • Strongyloidiasis* / complications
  • Strongyloidiasis* / diagnosis
  • Strongyloidiasis* / drug therapy