Strongyloidiasis in transplant patients

TitleStrongyloidiasis in transplant patients
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsRoxby AC, Gottlieb GS, Limaye AP
JournalClinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Volume49
Issue9
Pagination1411 - 1423
Date Published37196
ISSN1537-6591; 1058-4838
Accession NumberPMID: 19807271
KeywordsAnimals, Female, Heart Transplantation / adverse effects, Humans, Immunocompromised Host, Male, Middle Aged, Strongyloides stercoralis / growth & development / physiology, Strongyloidiasis / etiology / immunology / mortality
Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode that can persist in the human host for decades after the initial infection and can progress to fulminant hyperinfection syndrome in immunocompromised hosts. We describe a patient who died of Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome 2 months after orthotopic heart transplantation and discuss approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Current practice guidelines recommend screening for and treatment of Strongyloides infection before transplantation, but physicians in the United States often miss opportunities to identify patients with chronic strongyloidiasis. Screening tests have limitations, and clinical suspicion remains an important component of the evaluation before transplantation. After immunocompromised patients develop hyperinfection syndrome, diagnosis is often delayed and mortality is high, so emphasis must be placed on screening and treatment before transplantation. We review current strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic intestinal strongyloidiasis in patients who will undergo transplantation and discuss the clinical features and management of Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome in transplant recipients.

DOI10.1086/630201
Alternate JournalClin.Infect.Dis.
Notify Library Reference ID1732

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