A Rare Diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis in the Pleural Cavity

Authors

Fatemeh Rhana Mousavi, Integrated Regional LaboratoriesFollow
Emon Alavi, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Nick A. Hirad, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University

Keywords

Strongyloides stercoralis; pleural cavity; strongyloidiasis; parasitic disease; parasitic infection; soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH)

Disciplines

Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth that causes strongyloidiasis, a chronic parasitic infection in humans. S. stercoralis is one of several worm species that cause soil-transmitted helminthiasis, a neglected tropical disease. Herein, we discuss a 78-year-old female residing in a nursing home presenting with abdominal pain and shortness of breath. During a thoracentesis, physicians found multiple rhabditoid larvae consistent with S. stercoralis. However, before the procedure, a serial assessment of stool sample was performed and failed to demonstrate a parasitic infestation. Many of those infected with S. stercoralis are asymptomatic. Lack of symptoms and low sensitivity in traditional parasitological testing hampers and delays the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. This case serves as a reminder to consider helminthic disease in the differential diagnosis.

Recommended Citation

Mousavi, Fatemeh Rhana; Alavi, Emon; and Hirad, Nick A. (2021) "A Rare Diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis in the Pleural Cavity," HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 2: Iss. 5, Article 4.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1199
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol2/iss5/4