Chronic Strongyloides stercoralis infection in former British Far East prisoners of war

Abstract

S. stercoralis infection is common amongst ex-FEPOWs, particularly those from the Thai-Burma Railway project. It is usually characterized by a 'larva currens' rash and marked eosinophilia. The condition is eminently treatable, and continued diagnostic surveillance is needed, if cases of potentially fatal hyperinfection are to be avoided.

Application of real-time PCR for the detection of Strongyloides spp. in clinical samples in a reference center in Spain

“…Also, the parasite has the ability to replicate (autoinfection), resulting in sustained parasitation, facilitating parasite dispersal and increasing the risk of infection among the community (Gill et al, 2004). In addition, in patients with defective cell mediated immunity, increased parasite burdens (hyperinfection syndrome) may lead to the dissemination of the infection to adjacent organs including lung, liver and central nervous system.…”

Skin lesions in returning travellers

“…This urticarial rash occurs predominantly in the buttocks and around the waist, lasts 1-2 days and may recur as a first form frequently at regular intervals [53]. An important feature of S. stercoralis is an ability to complete its lifecycle within the human body, leading to continuing cycles of autoinfection [54]. It's important to notice that chronic or persistent infection may remain asymptomatic over decades and culminate in severe and potentially life-threatening S. stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome once an individual sustains immunosuppression (e.g.…”

Untitled

“…Andre har spekuleret på om årsagen til Gulf War Syndrome kunne vaere tungmetalforgiftning og giftgasser, men der er ikke fundet sikre beviser. For ganske nylig blev det påvist, at engelske soldater fra 2.verdenskrig i dag, mere end 60 år efter krigens afslutning, i meget højt antal lider af kroniske parasitinfektioner såsom Stronglyoides stercoralis (Gill et al 2004). …”