Strongyloides stercoralis infection presenting as an unusual cause of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding in an immunosuppressed patient: A case report

Hyasinta Jaka, Mheta Koy, John P. Egan, John R. Meda, Mariam Mirambo, Humphrey D. Mazigo, Rodrick Kabangila, Y. Lynn Wang, Andreas Mueller, Robert N. Peck, Mabula D. Mchembe, Phillipo L. Chalya

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Strongyloidiasis caused by Strongyloides stercoralis is a rare but well documented cause of massive upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding especially in endemic areas. However, oesophagogastroduodenoscopic findings and extractions of S. stercoralis, in the adult worm form, fromthe duodenumis even rarer.We report a case of a 27-year-oldTanzanianwomanwith HIV who presented withmassive upper GI bleeding. She had S. stercoralis, in the adult worm form, traversing the stomach and duodenumand extracted by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD). Shewas treated successfully with Ivermectine and antiretroviral therapy for HIVwas initiated. Strongyloidiasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of mass upper GI bleeding in immunosuppressive patients living in, or originating from, endemic areas.We believe this to be the first case to be reported fromour environment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)46-48
Number of pages3
JournalTropical Doctor
Volume43
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatigue/etiology
  • Female
  • Gastric Mucosa/parasitology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Strongyloides stercoralis/isolation & purification
  • Strongyloidiasis/complications

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