Strongiloidiasis is a chronic infection caused by nematodes, or roundworms called Strongyloides stercoralis. Patients with Strongiloidiasis will experience various digestive disorders. This disease is potentially deadly to some people with certain medical conditions. C'mon, beware of transmission by knowing the causes, treatment, and prevention!
Strongyloides stercoralis, the cause of strongiloidiasis infection is a type of parasite in the form of worms that are found in warm climates, such as in tropical and subtropical countries. But sometimes these parasites can also be found in temperate zones.
This worm infects humans through direct contact with contaminated soil, such as in agricultural areas to recreation areas. One of the main risks is walking barefoot in an area at risk. Roundworms will enter the skin (usually the soles of the feet) and enter the bloodstream. Then, the worm moves through your heart and lungs to your stomach and small intestine. Roundworms will lay eggs and grow into larvae in the intestine. If not treated immediately, people with strongiloidiasis will remain infected throughout their lives. This parasitic larva is small in size with the longest size of about 1.5 mm. On the ground, these parasitic larvae look similar to sand.
Symptoms of Strongiloidiasis Infection You Need to Watch Out for
Typically, this strongiloidiasis does not cause significant symptoms. However, most sufferers will experience some digestive disorders such as:
- Pain and a painful sensation in the upper abdomen.
- Diarrhea and constipation.
- Cough, chronic bronchitis.
- Red rash on the skin, biduran.
- Itching on the skin or around the anus.
- Throw up.
- Weight loss.
In people with weak immune conditions, symptoms from this worm infection can become more severe. In more severe cases, symptoms include:
- Anorexia.
- Bloated.
- Malabsorption syndrome.
- Paralytic ileus.
- Disorders of the digestive tract or the small intestine / duodenum.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Symptoms of severe lung disorders, such as dyspnea or shortness of breath, pleural pain, pleural effusion, and coughing up blood.
Although strongiloidiasis does not cause severe changes or symptoms, infection can also be dangerous and life-threatening in people with certain medical conditions, namely:
- People with decreased immune system, such as hematological diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma, and people who are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, where the immune system is suppressed.
- People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Lupus sufferers.
- Gout or in people taking corticosteroid drugs to suppress the immune system or relieve pain.
- Infected by HTLV-1 virus.
- Donor or transplant organ recipient.
- People with eosinophilic pneumonia.
Risk Factors Affected by Strongilloidiasis
Your risk of getting infected with this worm will increase, if:
- Live or travel to rural areas, agriculture or animal husbandry, as well as areas with unhealthy environmental conditions. And areas with environmental hygiene or poor sanitation.
- Traveling to tropical, subtropical, or temperate regions.
- Not applying good hygiene in your daily life.
- Having a weak immune system.
Handling and Prevention of Strongiloidiasis Infection You Need to Know
To diagnose strongiloidiasis infection, the doctor will usually do a physical examination and support in the form of examination of fecal specimens. Stool examination to detect whether there are worms often shows negative results, even though the patient is strongly suspected of being infected with worms. Worm larvae can only be detected on stool examination after 3-4 weeks of infection. Therefore, some laboratories can diagnose strongiloidiasis by blood tests. Other investigations that may be needed are complete blood tests and imaging with X-rays or CT-scan if needed.
Treatment is done by taking one dose of anti-parasitic drug, ivermectin. This medicine works by killing worms in your small intestine. Another drug that doctors usually prescribe is albendazole, twice a day for two or three days, is also an effective treatment. Although there are few side effects, ivermectin should not be consumed by pregnant women. Side effects that can arise after taking ivermectin drugs are reduced appetite, drowsiness and chills.
If left untreated, this worm infection has the potential to cause a number of complications such as strongiloidiasis hyperinfection syndrome, disseminated strongiloidiasis, eosinophilic pneumonia, and malnutrition due to impaired absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract.
There is a saying that it is better to prevent than cure. Well, the best steps you can take to avoid strongiloidiasis infection include wearing footwear when walking on the ground. Avoid direct contact with feces and sewerage, and implement a proper sewage and feces disposal system. Apply a clean lifestyle when traveling or living in the tropics and subtropics. Diligent exercise helps maintain the immune system and avoid risk factors for being infected with strongiloidiasis. Clean the environment around the house, also apply clean and healthy living habits by diligently washing your hands using clean water and soap.
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