infection⚑ High burden in India

Strongyloidiasis

Strongyloidiasis is a human disease caused by the nematode called Strongyloides stercoralis, or sometimes the closely related S. fülleborni. These helminths belong to a group of nematodes called . These worms can cause a number of symptoms in people, principally skin symptoms, pain, and weight loss, but also many other specific and vague symptoms in disease, and severe life-threatening conditions through hyperinfection. In some people, particularly those who require or other medication, Strongyloides can cause a hyperinfection that can lead to death if untreated. The is made by blood and tests. The medication is widely used to treat strongyloidiasis.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

· pain, , weight loss, itching and rash

Causes — why it happens

·Strongyloides stercoralis

How it's found

·Serology, tests

Treatment

Complications

·Hyperinfection

Test yourself

0/4 answered

4 quick questions on Strongyloidiasis. Tap an answer to check it.

1. Strongyloidiasis is caused by which type of organism?

2. Which of these is a common symptom of strongyloidiasis?

3. Who is at special risk of the dangerous 'hyperinfection' form of strongyloidiasis?

4. Which medicine is widely used to treat strongyloidiasis?

More in Intestines

Irritable bowel syndrome Inflammatory bowel disease Colorectal cancer Coeliac disease Typhoid fever Appendicitis Haemorrhoids Intestinal worms Amoebiasis Constipation Ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease

See all of Intestines →

Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.