Case Report: Strongyloides stercoralis coinfection in a Nigerian with HIV.

Abstract

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many areas of the world where human contact with fecalcontaminated soil or water is common. The nematode is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, including southwestern Nigeria. Strongyloides infections in the immunocompetent are often asymptomatic or associated with few clinical features, particularly during initial migration through the body. However, persons with defective cellular immunity are at risk of severe, clinically significant disease (mainly involving the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems). Patient, Methods and Results: A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Nigerian trader with candidiasis and trichomoniasis, while being screened for antiretroviral therapy, was found to also have S. stercoralis infection. She was treated with oral mebendazole. We report the first documented case of Strongyloides infection in an HIV-infected Nigerian. Conclusion: S. stercoralis infection is
much easier to prevent than treat, and so we strongly advocate routine screening of all HIV patients for intestinal
opportunistic pathogens and prompt therapy.

Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Strongyloides stercoralis, Nigeria.