B78.7

Clinical Causes: Infection with the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, usually acquired through contact with contaminated soil Immunosuppression due to medical treatments such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive drugs Chronic infection that becomes disseminated if the immune system weakens Underlying medical conditions like HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or malignancies

Key Symptoms: Persistent abdominal pain and diarrhea Unexplained weight loss Fever and general malaise Cough or respiratory symptoms if the parasite spreads to the lungs Skin rashes or urticaria in some cases Signs of organ involvement such as neurological symptoms if the central nervous system is affected Severe cases may show signs of septicemia or disseminated infection affecting multiple organs

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis of disseminated strongyloidiasis involves a combination of medical history review, clinical examination, and laboratory tests. Stool samples are analyzed for larvae, but in disseminated cases, blood tests may reveal eosinophilia or other signs of parasitic infection. Serological tests can detect antibodies to Strongyloides stercoralis. In some instances, tissue biopsies or advanced imaging techniques are employed to confirm widespread infection and organ involvement.

Treatment Protocols: Managing disseminated strongyloidiasis requires prompt antiparasitic therapy, often with medications such as ivermectin, which is highly effective against Strongyloides stercoralis. In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care are necessary, especially if complications like septicemia develop. Additional treatments may include antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections and measures to support organ function. Preventive strategies involve avoiding contact with contaminated soil and monitoring high-risk individuals for early detection.