Strongyloidiasis in a healthy 8-year-old girl in north-eastern USA

Abstract

A previously healthy, white 8-year-old girl presented with a 1-week history of abdominal pain and vomiting after a trip to a lake in Pennsylvania, north-eastern USA. There was marked dehydration. A raised blood eosinophilic count prompted microscopy for ova and parasites which demonstrated a heavy load of larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. Charcot–Leyden crystals were also detected. The child received oral ivermectin and made a complete recovery.

Keywords:

• Disseminating disease
• Helminthic infection
• Hyperinfection syndrome
• Parasitic infection
• Strongyloides stercoralis
• Strongyloidiasis

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Diana Winters, Academic Publishing Services, Drexel University College of Medicine for editing the manuscript.