Strongyloides stercoralis

Strongyloides stercoralis is a threadworm that belongs to the Strongyloides genus.

Strongyloides stercoralis causes strongyloidiasis. The infection can cause symptoms affecting the skin, lungs, and intestines. Symptoms are:

• Pruritus (itching)

• Urticaria (hives)

• Larva migrans cutanea syndrome (inflammatory reaction of the skin due to rapid migration of larvae)

• Pneumonia

• Chronic bronchitis

• Enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine)

The threadworm lives both in the soil and as a parasite. It is native to warm, humid areas of the tropics and subtropics. It is assumed that about 80 million people are infected. It is rarely found in Western Europe, except in warm areas of tunnel constructions or mines.

Relevance of pathogen in transmission in endoscopy

• Gastroenterology: Low

• Pulmonology: Low

• Ear, nose, and throat: Not relevant

• Urology: Not relevant

Transmission route

Strongyloides stercoralis is transmitted percutaneously (through the skin), fecal-orally, by contact infection, and through contaminated food and water.