Strongyloides Hyperinfection Syndrome Following Corticosteroid Therapy in a Patient with COVID-19 infection: A Case Report

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis) is a helminth, which infects humans widely in tropical and subtropical countries. This parasitic infestation usually does not produce symptoms in humans;however, severe and life-threatening forms of this infection can occur in immunocompromised individuals. Patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with concurrent immunosuppressive therapy are at risk of developing Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome (SHS). We present a 70-yearold male with a history of high-dose dexamethasone therapy due to severe COVID-19 who was referred to our hospital with chest discomfort, nausea, and anorexia. Histological assessment of the gastric and duodenal mucosae revealed numerous eggs and filariform larvae of S. stercoralis indicative of SHS. Ivermectin and albendazole were administered to the patient. Following the treatment, the patient's symptoms improved. Clinicians must be aware of the risk of SHS, especially in S. stercoralis endemic countries before and during corticosteroid therapy for COVID-19 because early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce mortality in these patients.