A Case of Multiple Gastrointestinal Ulcer: A Rare Presentation of Strongyloidiasis

Abstract

Strongyloides stercolaris is a common intestinal nematode in tropical and subtropical countries like Bangladesh. The presentation of this infection is nonspecific. Mostly it remains asymptomatic with peripheral eosinophilia. Immunocompromised individuals are at high risk of hyper infection to disseminated disease. We present a case of Strongyloides in an immunocompetent patient with features of gastric outlet obstruction. Laboratory findings revealed hypereosinophilia with multiple gastrointestinal ulcers on endoscopy. Biopsy was taken from a gastric ulcer which revealed ulceration and dense infiltration of acute and chronic inflammatory cells along with extensive intestinal metaplasia. There were tiny helminthic bodies within the mucosal glands and on the surface consistent with Strongyloides stercoralis. Routine examination of stool also revealed larvae of Strongyloides stercolaris.

J Dhaka Med Coll. 2022; 31(1) : 163-166