ABSTRACT

Strongyloidiosis is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas but is a rarely reported parasitic infestation in Turkey. Disseminated strongyloidiosis may develop in patients with immunodeficiencies. We report a case of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and Loeffler’s syndrome that developed in a patient who had received systemic prednisolone. The patient was a 20 year-old man, born in Hatay, Turkey. The patient presented at our department complaining of abdominal pain and leg pain. After he was admitted for further examination; headache, sore throat and cough developed. The differential-leukocytic count was characterized by 14% eosinophils. When a stool examination was performed, Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were observed. The patient was treated successfully with albendazole. His symptoms improved and Strongyloides stercoralis was not detected in subsequent follow-up examinations thereafter.

Keywords: Strongyloides stercoralis, Loeffler’s syndrome, steroid