strongyloidiasis /stron′jəloidī″əsis/ , infection of the small intestine by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis. It is acquired when larvae from the soil penetrate intact skin, incidentally causing a pruritic rash. The larvae pass to the lungs via the bloodstream, sometimes causing pneumonia. They then migrate up the air passages to the pharynx, are swallowed, and develop into adult worms in the small intestine. Bloody diarrhea and intestinal malabsorption may result. Rarely, fatal disseminated strongyloidiasis occurs. Diagnosis depends on finding larvae in freshly passed feces. Treatment of established infections often includes administration of thiabendazole, ivermectin, and albendazole. Early infection is treated with inhaled beta-agonists. Antihelminthic therapy works poorly against the larval stage. Proper sanitary methods for the disposal of excrement can eliminate the disease. Wearing shoes prevents contagion from contaminated soil. Hyperinfection syndrome can arise in immunocompromised patients. Also called threadworm infection. See also Löffler’s syndrome.
